24/04/2024
This morning, as I was driving back home after running a few errands in North Bengaluru, I saw a young man walking along the side of the highway. He wore a cap and carried a backpack, with two prominent flags: one of Bharat Mata and the other bearing an image of Shree Ram, along with the slogan “Jai Shree Ram”. Intrigued, I pulled over to speak with him.
The man shared that he was originally from Jharkhand and had been working in Bengaluru for the past couple of years. He explained his mission: “Shree Ram has returned to Ayodhya after 500 years, so I am walking to have his darshan.” He plans to walk from Bengaluru to Ayodhya, passing through Hyderabad and Nagpur. And the hottest season of the year will be the most challenging part of his journey.
The heat was already intense, and his dark skin glistened with sweat. Yet, his eyes shone with determination and hope. From Ayodhya, he intends to continue his pilgrimage to Kedarnath, Mathura, and finally, Dwaraka. His backpack displayed a sign proclaiming his mission, and he explicitly mentioned that he plans to walk the entire distance without any financial support or expectations.
I offered him some food, and he gratefully accepted. “Parceled bhaat would be ideal,” he said, declining any monetary assistance. I decided to get him some curd rice to beat the heat, but fate had other plans. By the time I checked a few restaurants and Darshinis, it was too early for curd rice. Instead, his lunch would be the Karnataka staple, Bisibele Bhaat. I also offered him some tender coconut water to ensure he stayed hydrated.
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“People in Bengaluru have shown me so much love over the last two days,” he said, expressing his gratitude.
“I should be the one thanking you,” I replied, “for allowing me to be a small part of your mission.”
The food packet and a couple of water bottles fit well in a small cloth bag that I had with me. I had intended to use it for grocery shopping, but it found a higher purpose that day. The young man had been carrying two small water bottles in a plastic bag, so I suggested he use the cloth bag, which would be more durable and easier to carry on his journey ahead. He will be travelling through even hotter regions, like Anantapur and beyond, in the coming days.
I asked if I could take his picture, and he agreed. He also shared his phone number, and I noticed a picture of a little girl on his screen. “Who is she?” I enquired. “She is my little sister,” he replied.
We had stopped near a hospital, and we sat on the steps of the service entrance. A security guard approached us, curious about the young man’s mission. “I came to check if he needed any help,” the guard said, “but it seems he has Ram ji with him.”
It was nearly 11 AM when we parted ways, half an hour after our initial encounter. As I drove away, I caught glimpses of him through my car window and in the rearview mirror. And then, something struck me. I had asked his name, and he had replied, “My name is Mahesh Kesari.” Today, April 22nd, is Hanuman Jayanti. Hanumanji is an avatar of Mahesh Jee (Shankar Bhagwan) and the son of Kesari. I will leave you with that thought.
Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bhajrangbali.
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