"Rolling holy man" on peace mission held at Pakistan border
Lahore (AsiaNews/AP) Mohan Das, an Indian man better known as the "rolling saint" or the "holy roller", wants to promote peace between India and Pakistan by rolling across the two countries. But after 2,500 km (1,500 miles) he had to stop on the border with Pakistan. Indian customs officials barred him from crossing because he had no passport. He is waiting for border authorities to let him cross and continue on his journey as a stone rolling across Asia.
Mr Das had started his unusual "expedition" on January 28 motivated by a desire to promote peace between India and Pakistan, countries that have been at loggerheads with one another for more than 50 years over territory and security.
Before undertaking this latest trial he was already famous having crossed so he says 30,000 km (19,000 miles) keeping his body to the ground.
The "holy roller" is in good company as far as eccentric Indians go. In fact, he might cross paths with Kailashgiri Brahmachari, a 32-year-old man who has been carrying a basket with his blind mother inside for the past eight years. He is doing this to fulfill her desire to visit India's major holy shrines. So far he has completed 5,500 km (3,500 miles) receiving hospitality and admiration from people he met along the way. For all, he has an edifying message: "Take care of your parents!"
Mr Brahmachari has another ten years to go before ending the pilgrimage that both he and his mother wish to conclude in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi (ex-Benares).
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