"I believe in my work and follow Gandhiji's ideology. When I was young I witnessed how Gandhiji mobilised people for the freedom of the country," said the seasoned Sumbrui, who is contesting the election on a ruling Congress party ticket. India holds its general election in April and May.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, pioneered the philosophy of non-violent resistance to British rule in India. Sumbrui regrets not being able to meet Gandhi but says such was the leader's influence on him that he adopted not only his principles but also his simple sartorial style. He stopped wearing trousers and shirts when he was 22 and began wearing a short version of the Indian wraparound worn by men, called the "dhoti."
"The secret of my health is yoga and I listen to my heart which keeps me healthy," he said.
Villagers say they love him for his development work and sympathy for the sick, and believe Sumbrui can lead them to prosperity. Many offer him food and water when he goes on his long campaigning treks.
"Bagun is an MP of simple living... Most of the MPs lead a luxurious life but he shares our problems and solves them," said Bhanu Mahato, a voter from Singhbhum.
Writing by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by Krittivas Mukherjee and Paul Tait
Photo courtesy: Indian Parliament Secretariat.
Copyright © 2009 Reuters Limited
March 20, 2009
INDIA: Octogenarian Gandhi disciple puts best foot forward
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RANCHI, Jharkhand State / Reuters / March 20, 2009
By Nityanand Shukla
At first glance he looks like India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, wearing only a knee-length wraparound and slippers, but Bagun Sumbrui is a seasoned politician bidding for a sixth stint in parliament.
One of the oldest candidates in the general election beginning next month, Sumbrui, 85, treks for miles to woo voters and is hugely popular with the people of Chaibasa in Singhbhum district in the eastern state of Jharkhand.
"I believe in my work and follow Gandhiji's ideology. When I was young I witnessed how Gandhiji mobilised people for the freedom of the country," said the seasoned Sumbrui, who is contesting the election on a ruling Congress party ticket. India holds its general election in April and May.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, pioneered the philosophy of non-violent resistance to British rule in India. Sumbrui regrets not being able to meet Gandhi but says such was the leader's influence on him that he adopted not only his principles but also his simple sartorial style. He stopped wearing trousers and shirts when he was 22 and began wearing a short version of the Indian wraparound worn by men, called the "dhoti."
"The secret of my health is yoga and I listen to my heart which keeps me healthy," he said.
Villagers say they love him for his development work and sympathy for the sick, and believe Sumbrui can lead them to prosperity. Many offer him food and water when he goes on his long campaigning treks.
"Bagun is an MP of simple living... Most of the MPs lead a luxurious life but he shares our problems and solves them," said Bhanu Mahato, a voter from Singhbhum.
Writing by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by Krittivas Mukherjee and Paul Tait
Photo courtesy: Indian Parliament Secretariat.
Copyright © 2009 Reuters Limited
"I believe in my work and follow Gandhiji's ideology. When I was young I witnessed how Gandhiji mobilised people for the freedom of the country," said the seasoned Sumbrui, who is contesting the election on a ruling Congress party ticket. India holds its general election in April and May.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, pioneered the philosophy of non-violent resistance to British rule in India. Sumbrui regrets not being able to meet Gandhi but says such was the leader's influence on him that he adopted not only his principles but also his simple sartorial style. He stopped wearing trousers and shirts when he was 22 and began wearing a short version of the Indian wraparound worn by men, called the "dhoti."
"The secret of my health is yoga and I listen to my heart which keeps me healthy," he said.
Villagers say they love him for his development work and sympathy for the sick, and believe Sumbrui can lead them to prosperity. Many offer him food and water when he goes on his long campaigning treks.
"Bagun is an MP of simple living... Most of the MPs lead a luxurious life but he shares our problems and solves them," said Bhanu Mahato, a voter from Singhbhum.
Writing by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by Krittivas Mukherjee and Paul Tait
Photo courtesy: Indian Parliament Secretariat.
Copyright © 2009 Reuters Limited
