I will leave it up to the readers to determine if its an innovation in begging or innovation in creating an employment for yourself, but something rather interesting happened while I was in India this summer.  I decided to take a train from New Delhi to Ludhiana, Punjab in my home state.  It was a hot and humid summer day in the month of June, and I wanted to take an air conditioned train-car but I couldn't find the one in the train I was planning to ride.  The next train was four hours later and I decided not wait till then.  Instead, I bought a ticket for an ordinary car without an AC and thought it would be a good idea to re-experience the same middle class life I used to while growing up in India.  Anyways, on my way to Ludhiana, several beggars came asked for money and left.  Some of them were old, others young childern and some women.  I didnt' give money to anyone because I was annoyed except one elderly woman who came to me at Ambala station asking for 10 rupees so that she can have dinner and I simply gave her the money.  I didnt' see her stopping by at any of the stalls to eat but still somehow felt good about it. 
As the train left Ambala station, something rather interesting happened.  The car I was sitting in was somewhat littered by passengers.  I am absolutely certain that it wasn't going to be cleaned anytime soon.  But then, a young boy around the age of 10 came and started sweeping the floor.  He pushed all the litter in a corner of the car.  The car floor was really clean.  And then he started asking everyone for some money.  I gave him 5 rupees because I felt that he deserved it since he created a value for me by providing me a clean place to sit while I am travelling to my destination.  It made me wonder, hmm...even though he kind of imposed himself on all the passengers but has he innovated the art of begging or self-employment?