In anticipation of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the city experienced a captivating sight on a chilly Friday morning. A doppelganger bearing a striking resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi, adorned in minimal clothing, strolled barefoot along Ram Path, wielding a stick. This spectacle, identified as Mutanna Tirlapur,54, hailing from Karnataka’s Gadag district, engaged passersby with warm greetings and willingly participated in selfie sessions.
Tirlapur, the Mahatma Gandhi lookalike, sported round-framed, lens-less spectacles, and a chain watch, rendering his resemblance to the iconic figure remarkably authentic. Displaying a placard with the inscription ‘samaj seva mera janm siddh adhikaar hai’ (Social service is my birth right), he conveyed a profound message.
Adorning his placard with images of influential leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, former President APJ Abdul Kalam, and Swami Vivekanand, Tirlapur emphasized the diverse aspects of societal contribution. Additionally, the placard featured depictions of Lord Ram, Sita, Laxman, Lord Hanuman, and the forthcoming Ram temple.
The thought-provoking message on the placard urged environmental preservation, advocating for a liquor-free nation, soil conservation, wildlife protection, and the cessation of cruelty towards animals.
Tirlapur, who embarked on a journey from Karnataka to Ayodhya covering approximately 2,000 kilometers on foot, attributed his endurance to the recitation of Lord Ram’s name. Undeterred by the cold weather, he shared, “I have traversed 40-50 kilometers daily, and on some days, even 60-70 kilometers. Presently, amidst the cold climate, I cover 30 kilometers daily.”
When questioned about his resilience in the cold, Tirlapur credited the invigorating energy derived from chanting Lord Ram’s name. He expressed, “Despite feeling the cold, uttering the name of Lord Ram rejuvenates me. His benevolence shields me from ailments. The two-lettered sacred name, ‘Jai Jai Ram, Sita Ram,’ possesses a purity that tranquillizes the mind, ushering in mental peace.”
In response to an inquiry regarding an invitation to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony, Tirlapur dismissed the notion, stating, “No invitation is necessary. Every Bharatvasi should converge here.” Expressing joy and gratitude, he remarked, “I feel elated, as if I’m in paradise. Heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for overseeing the construction of Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya.”
Tirlapur disclosed his 15-year tradition of emulating Mahatma Gandhi’s attire, aiming to disseminate awareness of the values championed by the iconic leader. Reflecting on his family’s sentiments, he shared, “My family rejoices in my arrival in the sacred land of Prabhu Shri Ram after covering such a vast distance. The people of my village and neighboring areas extended their well-wishes as I embarked on this padyatra.”
In conclusion, Tirlapur conveyed a message to Ayodhya’s residents, emphasizing, “India is a nation that embraces peace, and it is imperative for all of us to coexist harmoniously, fostering love and unity.”