Daijiworld Media Network - Raichur

Raichur, Aug 20: One does not have to be wealthy to make a donation—true generosity comes from the heart. Proving this, a 60-year-old beggar named Rangamma from Raichur taluk’s Bizanagere village has set an inspiring example by donating Rs 1.83 lac —earned entirely through begging—for the renovation of the local Anjaneya temple.

Rangamma, originally from Andhra Pradesh, arrived in Bizanagere about 40 years ago and has been living on alms ever since. She collected the money over the past six years, carefully storing it in three large sacks filled with coins and currency notes. It took more than 20 villagers six hours to count the savings. During the process, they discovered that notes worth around Rs 20,000 had been damaged due to dampness.

What makes her gesture even more remarkable is that she never spent this money on herself. Instead, she decided to return it to the community by contributing it entirely to the temple’s renovation. Years earlier, the villagers had even built her a small 4x5 ft shelter costing Rs 1 lac—also funded through her own begging earnings.

Rangamma, who rarely speaks to anyone, usually seeks alms only from bikers, auto drivers, and other vehicle riders passing through the area. Locals believe that giving her money brings good fortune to their trade, and many contribute Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 100 or more whenever they see her.

Recently, when villagers came across her stash of coins and notes, they asked her what she planned to do with it. Without hesitation, she said she wanted it to go toward the temple construction so that her service could live on in a meaningful way.

The renovated temple was recently inaugurated, and Rangamma was honoured at the event for her extraordinary generosity. Her act has touched hearts across the community, showing that even those with the least can sometimes give the most.