Why are so many elderly “Varkaris” asking only for food in Pune areas?
Been noticing something a lot lately across Akurdi, Chinchwad, Pimple Saudagar, Wakad, Baner etc.
There are quite a few elderly people on the streets who say they’re Varkaris and instead of asking for money, they specifically ask for food. Which honestly feels more genuine at first.
But I had an odd experience recently near Elpro Mall around 7:30 pm. I was with my dad getting juice, and an elderly woman in a navari saree with religious items approached us asking for juice. My dad wanted to help, so we agreed.
Right after that, she went to another person standing nearby and asked for the same thing again, and that person also ordered juice for her. So she basically got multiple drinks from different people at the same spot.
When we pointed it out, she said she has a big appetite and would have it with bhakri later. It felt a bit off tbh.
I usually don’t give, but this time I did because of my dad, and now I’m just confused.
Has anyone else noticed this pattern? Is this an organized thing or just coincidence?
(I don’t think they’re genuine Varkaris)