“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Our day was a relaxed one but as I was assigned to work with some of my colleagues from Ekta Parishad, who were yet to get their passports, took a lot of time. Many adivasi activists are really charged up with a possibility of walking internationally, but were also facing teething issues with their documentation, required for passports. A meeting to discuss all the personal declarations and family approval forms were designed and distributed to all the long term walkers – Satyagrahis.
Unfortunately, I had to play a strict role of denying enrolment to many new interested Satyagrahis to join international phase of walk like Daddy ji, Narayan Swamiji of Barsana, Chunilal Soren etc. Lots and lots of time got invested in communication with team members but this had hidden benefits as I came closer to these individuals.
In the evening, I received lots of personal time with Rajaji and Jill Didi to get connected with many Jai Jagat supporters in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, which was a blessing. The most enthusiastic supporter, Rajesh Mishra from Nagpur, is a big asset to the Ekta Parishad team. I got a good number of very high profile supporting connections like IAS, IPS officers, past ambassadors, social activist etc. I was delighted to understand that Jai Jagat 2020 has so many blessings from all around. I joined Rajaji and Jill Didi for dinner at Anuradha Shankar’s, an IPS officer’s home – she is very humble and a great supporter of Jai Jagat 2020.
Next day, an amazing show put up by young volunteers setting a complete eco friendly stage and stalls was very satisfying and noticeable. All efforts of volunteers were appreciated by all the visiting dignitaries, I personally loved it too. Zero plastic usage made decoration very unique. While in the panel discussions on four pillars of Jai Jagat walk many high profile dignitaries joined us, like Bapnaji from Jaipur, Basavraj from Delhi, many local IAS & IPS officers. Today, we had panel discussions on two pillars and also experience sharing by many walkers. Lots of side meetings happened – one of the meetings on financial resources mobilisation was actively participated by many walkers. I was deeply touched by the commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by Ajit Nair from Kerela. Ajit, a young architect by profession but a social activist too, is a big asset to Jai Jagat 2020 Global Peace Pilgrimage, and his live wire act is an inspiration to many.
I am delighted that Somanath Bhosale from Jalgaon, my past fellow walker in Sri Lanka and social activist, joined Jai Jagat 2020 for sometime. After two days of lavish meals sponsored by the CM, simple hygienic food from the canteen was very satisfying.
May PEACE prevail on Mother Earth … JAI JAGAT!
–Yogesh Mathuria
