poverty is simply overwhelming...
I didnt spend too much of time in India, but in Bangladesh I have visited and I must agree to you. There is a class divide I would rather say. Some people are poor, and right the next corner live the lavishly rich!
My observation was that these unfortunate not being used by the rich to serve their purposes at remarkably low wages.
I got one friend living in India (a Pole) and she got 3 maids to take care of her. How is that? Her husband is not a King Tut either.
Everyone wants easy life ... and they use the poor for that.
I dont like this thing ... plus do you know that they are the much needed labor force to drive the economy and make the luxury life of rich people more luxurious. And if you make a comment against this kind of thing, they give you an empty look. What is more interesting is that the Polish friend who lives there gives an empty look ending with a cute - yet indifferent smile.
By the way, the poor are not considered a viable option for any deep emotions to be attached to them. They are a community of their own, not with the successful.
However, women among them are coming forward to improve their fortunes. I was in Bangladesh from my last job here, and I saw many women working in their Ready Made Garment sector ... and many enjoy the Microfinance revolution that started from that region.