Hard Work For Every Single Rupee
We're now in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, trying to figure out our travel rout ahead. And yesterday we did a Kayaking session along Ganges river which was just amazing! Freezing cold, but amazing! It was my first time kayaking in such a fast flowing river, and what a liberating feeling it was☺
Rishikesh
We took a walk along the Ganges river in Haridwar today, and while doing that we noticed two men who were holding a long rope made out of cloth binded together one by one, and slowly put it in the lively, flowing river. Their activity was pretty eye caching so we walked up to them and asked them what they were doing.
They said they were about to collect coins from the river. The Ganges river is apparently a great treasure hunt thanks to millions of people who visit the river every year and throw money (and sometimes gold!!) in it with a hope for future good luck!
Haridwar Ganges River
And suddenly this young man infront of us started to take off his clothes and we saw that his right leg ended at his knee joint. With only his boxers on and a pair of goggels he jumped, without hesitation, into the freezing cold Ganges river tightly holding their handmade rope, swam down to the bottom, picked up a coin or two and put it in his mouth. And this he continued doing for 10 minutes, swiming up and down, up and down in a heavy Ganges stream! And while he was doing that his friends kept a close eye on him in case something would happen. He collected about 70 rupees that day. Which he would share among his friends.
The whole activity was just breathtaking to watch!
We spoke to him after the swim and he told us that his name is Vijay, he's is 22 years old and have been living in Haridwar all his life. During the years him and his friends have saved over 20 peoples lifes from drowning in the Ganges river. And some of them have shown gratitude by giving money or other things. But other than that, collecting coins in the Ganges river is what he does for a living. Talk about hard work for every rupee..
We spoke to him after the swim and he told us that his name is Vijay, he's is 22 years old and have been living in Haridwar all his life. During the years him and his friends have saved over 20 peoples lifes from drowning in the Ganges river. And some of them have shown gratitude by giving money or other things. But other than that, collecting coins in the Ganges river is what he does for a living. Talk about hard work for every rupee..
Imagin what mental and physical strength one has if you dive into that freezing, cold water every single day! And also saving life!
God has sent You to earth for a reason. That's for sure..
Vijay - You inspire me!
Vijay - You inspire me!