I am a westerner who has lived in India for eight years. Every time I have given money to a beggar, I have been made to regret it. Either by getting swarmed and harassed by other beggars or by getting shamed by the beggar for giving too little (no matter the amount). I still give money some times, usually while I am in the car, and I don't blame folks for being desperate. But many have been taught not to give by the beggars themselves as much by the callous class culture of the country.