Pawan Khera and Manish Khanduri
A cold morning, a somewhat hilly countryside and a slight fog were the initial lot of the Yatris as they started their morning on the 87th day of the #BharatJodoYatra. But as usual they shrugged it off; “We’re used to it by now” said Yatri Laxman Hasda.
But as the day opened, so did the weather and the Padyatris were able to walk the approximately 14 kilometres from Mahudiya Agar to Amla with ease. The countryside was again mostly rural, and for a significant stretch – farmland with no signs of nearby habitation. However, after a while, as the Yatris neared the daily tea break point, the action kicked off again and we were back to the energetic crowd participation that is now a usual feature of the Yatra.
And leading the action were Lakshman and Kailash, the duo part of a team of performing artists who welcomed the Yatris with a flourish of their drums. It certainly created a memorable
atmosphere: “We had women who walked with us, and children who were trying to match our slogans” says Hasda.
Performers Lakshman and Kailash get the beats going. Photo credit: Ajay Thakur
Yatri Laxman Hasda found today’s walk a memorable atmosphere: “We had women who walked with us, and children who were trying to match our slogans” he stated.
For Bimlesh and Poonam, waiting by the roadside (in stunning red apparel, we may add) it was a memorable experience. “We’ve been waiting since morning,” said Bimlesh, “Because this opportunity (to see the Yatra) won’t come again.”
Bimlesh and Poonam (second and third from left) have been waiting because “Because this opportunity (to see the yatra) won’t come again.” Photo Credit Ajay Thakur
In the morning session the Yatris were joined by a number of individuals who walked alongside. These included individuals with disabilities (today being International Day of Disabled Persons), Anil Garg, forest rights activist and Katha Vachak Brijpal Shukla.
Finally a hat tip to the delegation (Congress cadre) from Rajasthan that turned up on their own to welcome the Yatris. The yatra isn’t due in Rajasthan for two more days, but this group decided to start early! We love the enthusiasm and support of the local state units, without whom this Yatra would not have been successful.
This group from Rajasthan turned up to greet the Yatris, even though we’re yet to enter the state! Photo credit: Ajay Thakur
Currently in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the Bharat Jodo Yatra is a five month, 3500 kilometre long Padyatra from Kanyakumari in the South of India to Kashmir up in the North. It is part of the party’s national mass outreach program aimed at highlighting social polarisation, economic inequalities and political centralisation.
Photo credit: Ajay Thakur
Ground research: Aparna Ashwarya (INC Communications Department research team)
Midday Travel Facts:
1. District name: Agar Malwa
2. Agar Malwa is the most newly-formed district of Madhya Pradesh.
3. Agar town is known for the temple of Jai Baba Baijnath, said to be built by a British citizen in the 19th century.
4. Agar is known for its red soil, said to be found in a short radius around it.