At a busy Bengaluru traffic signal, a man with 14 years of experience in banking was photographed sitting on a footpath with a sign asking for help. Written in English and Kannada, the note read: “I don’t have job, no house, please help me. I have 14 years working experience in banking.”
Beside him was a backpack and a smaller sheet of paper carrying a QR code, apparently intended for digital contributions.
The Reddit post that sparked discussion
The images were shared on Reddit by user @Being-Brilliant. The caption accompanying the photos read: “Came across this man at a prominent Bengaluru signal. As heartbreaking as it is to see him, I keep wondering if this is a result of society failure or personal choices?”
One picture showed him from a distance while another provided a closer look at the message he displayed.
Divided social media reactions
The post quickly spread across the platform and beyond, sparking an emotional but divided response.
Some expressed sympathy and hoped his skills might help him find work again. One user wrote, “People may help him and recommend him based on his CV, he has 14 years of banking experience.”
Others were critical. Another comment read, “There are no excuses for a young man to beg like this, especially in a city like Bangalore where there are plenty of jobs as long as you are willing to work.”
Several people raised the issue of psychological barriers that come with extended unemployment. One commenter said, “Most people are saying that if he is physically able, he should be able to do some job like delivery or driving. But the reality is that if you remain unemployed for a long time, there is a chance you will become mentally broken and depressed. That creates a barrier too.”
Another echoed that concern, noting how a lack of work over time can make even basic opportunities feel out of reach.
Beyond employability, the debate also turned to dignity and survival in a competitive city. One comment read, “The life of a man has no respect unless you earn. Judging him without knowing his story feels unfair.”
A separate user reflected on the country’s job market, posting, “The harsh truth of our country, we barely got enough to even give 1% of the college passouts jobs.”
Not all comments assumed his story at face value. One user asked, “Wait, did he lose his certificates or were they destroyed? Whatever it is, it’s unfortunate. But if it’s just his unwillingness to work or look for work, then that becomes a personal issue.”
Another posed a sharper question: “Is he physically challenged? If yes, I have my sympathies for him. If he is not, there are no excuses for a young man to beg like this, especially in a city like Bangalore, where there are plenty of jobs as long as you’re willing to work. It might not be the best-paying ones. But still decent enough to sustain one person. Yes, life is tough and often unfair, but you need to get on your feet and fight for your survival. No one is gonna help you.”
One individual went further, alleging that they had personally offered him a job. They wrote that he became annoyed and showed little interest, adding that he is often seen near Someshwara Temple on Mondays and outside the Subramanya Temple in Halasuru on Tuesdays.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.)
Beside him was a backpack and a smaller sheet of paper carrying a QR code, apparently intended for digital contributions.
The Reddit post that sparked discussion
The images were shared on Reddit by user @Being-Brilliant. The caption accompanying the photos read: “Came across this man at a prominent Bengaluru signal. As heartbreaking as it is to see him, I keep wondering if this is a result of society failure or personal choices?”
One picture showed him from a distance while another provided a closer look at the message he displayed.
Divided social media reactions
The post quickly spread across the platform and beyond, sparking an emotional but divided response.
Some expressed sympathy and hoped his skills might help him find work again. One user wrote, “People may help him and recommend him based on his CV, he has 14 years of banking experience.”
Others were critical. Another comment read, “There are no excuses for a young man to beg like this, especially in a city like Bangalore where there are plenty of jobs as long as you are willing to work.”
Several people raised the issue of psychological barriers that come with extended unemployment. One commenter said, “Most people are saying that if he is physically able, he should be able to do some job like delivery or driving. But the reality is that if you remain unemployed for a long time, there is a chance you will become mentally broken and depressed. That creates a barrier too.”
Another echoed that concern, noting how a lack of work over time can make even basic opportunities feel out of reach.
Beyond employability, the debate also turned to dignity and survival in a competitive city. One comment read, “The life of a man has no respect unless you earn. Judging him without knowing his story feels unfair.”
A separate user reflected on the country’s job market, posting, “The harsh truth of our country, we barely got enough to even give 1% of the college passouts jobs.”
Not all comments assumed his story at face value. One user asked, “Wait, did he lose his certificates or were they destroyed? Whatever it is, it’s unfortunate. But if it’s just his unwillingness to work or look for work, then that becomes a personal issue.”
Another posed a sharper question: “Is he physically challenged? If yes, I have my sympathies for him. If he is not, there are no excuses for a young man to beg like this, especially in a city like Bangalore, where there are plenty of jobs as long as you’re willing to work. It might not be the best-paying ones. But still decent enough to sustain one person. Yes, life is tough and often unfair, but you need to get on your feet and fight for your survival. No one is gonna help you.”
One individual went further, alleging that they had personally offered him a job. They wrote that he became annoyed and showed little interest, adding that he is often seen near Someshwara Temple on Mondays and outside the Subramanya Temple in Halasuru on Tuesdays.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.)
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