Rahul’s fellow-yatris relish journey’s momentous points

HYDERABAD: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is aimed at integrating India took a break after 57 days of continuous tour on Friday. It will resume Saturday morning at Choutkur village in Andole.

The break provided time for the 119 yatris, drawn from across the country, to relax and interact with each other.

A hallmark of the Bharat Jodo Yatra’s journey in Telangana has been the warm reception accorded to the Congress leader and his fellow-yatris. They were treated to some spectacular local creative razzmatazz, including vibrant cultural events, traditional dances and music. And then there was the deliciously sumptuous cuisine, which was loaded with rich nutritious value, said Raj Thakur, convener of the food committee.

“The very idea was to serve them the flavours of Telangana and Hyderabad. We also wanted to ensure that the local regional yatris would not miss out on staple diet. After beginning the day with warm milk mixed with haldi, coffee or tea and continental to regional breakfast, the lunch and dinner had special varieties every day from Mughlai to traditional paya, while for vegetarians it was protein-rich paneer, tofu, mushrooms, wide spread of vegetarian dishes, fruits, deserts and juices.”

They all acknowledged that the Hyderabad and Telangana hospitality was warm and endearing, said Rishikesh Singh of Jharkhand.

Anulekha Boosa from Karimnagar, one of the 119 national yatris walking from Kanyakumari, said, “Support has been increasing by the day. Even after walking 25 to 30 km each day, we wake up fresh. Even if I had not been selected for the yatra, I would have still taken part as an individual. We are seeing the real India during the momentous journey.”

Supreme Court advocate Avani Bansal said, “Lot of people have lots of love for Congress. At every village we are getting spontaneous response and patronage. They hail our party ideology. People are realising that Congress is the only party that can unite India against the hate politics of BJP.”

Among those who interacted with Rahul Gandhi during the walk, Amina Javeed, a lawyer from Hyderabad, said, “As my brother and father were walking in this yatra, I too was keen to participate in the historic walk. Rahul’s vision for the county has drawn me to the yatra. One statement made by him keeps resonating-‘the country belongs to those who respect the national tricolour, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. That is the reason we believe that this is not a political walk.”