What is Poverty ?

Poverty is a state of mind and spirit. In my view, poverty is not just a lack of money but a state of dependence on others. Expecting help from others is poverty.When a person gives up hope in themselves, compromises their dignity, and declares, “I am poor,” they succumb to a mindset of helplessness.

Songs and sayings romanticize poverty, claiming, “God listens to the poor.” But poverty is not a virtue. It is not about lacking material wealth; it is about losing one’s inner strength and purpose

Take the example of Kabir Das, who never owned great wealth or palaces. Yet, he was richer than anyone who offered him lakhs of rupees because he refused to compromise his independence or become anyone’s slave. Similarly, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar lived in extreme poverty but was the richest person in the world in terms of thought and principles. He never compromised his soul or ideals. These examples show that poverty and financial lack are two entirely different things.

Types of Poverty

1. Lack of Dreams

In my view, the person who has no dreams is the poorest of all. Today, thousands of people live their lives aimlessly, letting the days pass without purpose. They wake up without any desire to achieve something meaningful and waste their lives on trivial things.

Laziness, too, stems from this lack of dreams. A person with no goal in life drifts like a leaf in the wind. Without a purpose, what is the point of being human?

Dreaming doesn’t only mean aspiring for material wealth or high positions. True dreams can also be spiritual, intellectual, or creative. A person may dream of gaining supreme knowledge, reaching spiritual enlightenment, or mastering a skill. Even dreaming of becoming like Mahavir, Kabir, or achieving self-actualization is worthwhile.

In essence, anyone with a purpose, whether it’s to achieve spiritual growth or material success, is rich. On the other hand, even a millionaire who lives without purpose or direction is truly poor.

2. Dependence on Others

Dependence is another form of poverty. I do not agree with the idea of living on alms, as Buddha’s almsgiving suggests. I resonate more with Kabir’s approach—working hard, making clothes, and earning his livelihood.

As long as a person is alive, they should strive to support themselves. Even a sanyasi should fulfill their daily needs through their own efforts rather than relying on others. Dependence strips a person of their independence, dignity, and freedom, turning them into a slave.

What is the value of life if a person cannot meet their own basic needs? While I am not advocating blind materialism, I believe that self-reliance is essential to living a meaningful and dignified life.

Now, I summed up my thoughts as follows: Poverty is a state of mind. A person without dreams is the poorest, regardless of their bank balance. True wealth lies in having a goal, a purpose, and the independence to achieve it.