Dressed as Gandhi to make a living

Chittoor: Syed Basha, an unemployed man from Warangal district in Telangana State, dressed as Mahatma Gandhi seeks alms at busy junctions in Chittoor.

From elders to children, many dress in a ‘dhoti’, wear specs, sport a stick and take to seeking alms, without, however, meaning any offense to the ‘Father of the Nation’.

Interesting to note, he dons silver painting all over his body, wears a ‘dhoti’, spectacles, sport a stick and stand like a statue at prominent places like Kanipakam, Thiruvannamalai and Golden Temple seeking the contributions from the public and the visitors of those important tourist spots. He said that he was inspired and influenced by the ideologies and patriotism of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. When he could not get a job, he has decided to seek alms in the attire of Gandhi.

He attracts the attention of the public. In turn, they put coins or currency in the box. In an average he earns Rs 300 per day.

Speaking to The Hans India at Kanipakam on Sunday, Bhasha admitted that it was an acid test for him to stand as a statue for more than 14 hours a day at the temple or important places in Gandhi posture. “I am not begging or cheating anybody. I like Gandhi very much. As I did not get a job, as a last resort, I have chosen this path. I will spend Rs 400 to paint my body with silver colour. I will bath once in four days and sleep in the same attire,” he said.

CP Rao