In the arid lands of the Gir jungle in Gujarat, a man would eagerly wait every year to perform a simple, but important task. And while he is no more, there is a certain unique legacy he has left; something that reminds us of utter dedication. This is the story of Bharatdas Darshandas, the only human who lived in a wilderness village in the Gir Forest for 22 years, the only religious voter (no pun intended) from there.
One Of His Kind: The Human Who Lived In A Small Gir Village For 22 Years
The Gir Forest is known to many as the only place where Asiatic lions run free. Wild bushes, reptiles, insects, and a few plants and trees pretty much sum up its other inhabitants now. In the interiors of the jungle, is a village that goes by the name of Banej. Until last year, Guru Bharatdas Darshandas was also a part of the populace there.
The man with his statement sun glasses, pierced ears, and saffron sarong wasn’t quite bothered about living in a place with no traces of electricity or phone coverage. He had moved to the village from Rajasthan about 22 years ago, after dropping from school and taking to religion.
The fact that he was the only voter from Banej, made the place and the man, of course very famous. The special polling booth was like no other. And the priest in his 60s made sure that the voter turnout was well, 100%, every time!
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Into The Wild: A Special Visit To Banej
Mahant Bharatdas Darshandas, or Bharatdas Bapu as people would fondly call him, was the caretaker of a Shiva temple in Banej. Even though a bunch of people would visit the temple to offer their prayers, not many lived in the vicinity, and none were registered voters from there. But for the priest, the temple was also his home. And then, a day before the pious days elections, whether state or general, there would be a special visit. A dedicated team of election officials would drive down a bumpy road, and set up a polling booth at a forest building, not quite far from the temple.
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The Sacred Act Of Voting for Bharatdas Darshandas
Wondering the reason behind these efforts? Well, as per Election Commission of India’s norms, normally, no voter should have to travel more than 2 kms to cast their vote. So, even for a resident living in such an isolated location, a polling booth would be especially set up. The sacred act of voting, of participating in democracy, and keeping its spirit alive are something worth cherishing. He once told BBC, “I feel good that the authorities come here to pick up my vote. I feel honoured (sic).”
So, every once in a while, we come across stories of ordinary people with extraordinary lives. And the inspiration they exude, are a reminder of what true glory looks like.