In 1992 I had the good fortune to visit India and spend two weeks in Bombay. It is a city of 15 million people, spread over a radius of about 66 km.

I was deeply shocked and shaken by the unspeakable poverty I saw there, and the feeling of helplessness: what could I do about the wrapped people lying on the pavements - alive or dead? - for the sake of the masses of human wreckage, the horde of beggars? To whom, if I gave a few rupees, they could follow me for an hour, if I didn't, they would follow me, but “only” for half an hour. The whole time I was wondering what the point of human life was.

Without human dignity, without enough food, and with the soul-destroying knowledge of total hopelessness! While in the immediate vicinity of the poor, already rich, with a tin-roofed roof, there are the real rich, living in gilded palaces, rich in every earthly good.

These days, I am more and more reminded of my “experiences” in Bombay. At home, in Hungary! Sadly, every year I see more and more similarities between the two worlds.

That is why I have a great appreciation (!) for the helpful work of the Krishnas - and all other organizations that make great sacrifices - for the sake of our hungry compatriots who are in a hopeless situation, mentally and physically crippled.