Inspired by Lord Krishna, this Patidar leader walked barefoot from Ahmedabad to Delhi

As some members of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) came out of Congress leader Ahmed Patel's residence in the high-profile Lutyen's Delhi area, one of them - who claims to be a farmer by profession - said he had been barefoot for the last six years, keen to walk literally on Lord Krishna's footsteps.

"I have not been wearing any footwear for the last 6 years", he said with a smile on his face.

Our India Today reporter noticed this Patidar leader called Manoj Pannara standing without footwear. We learnt that he had walked all the way from Ahmedabad to Delhi barefoot. What has prompted him to do so? Motivation to serve, he says.

Barefoot Manoj Pannara

According to mythology, Krishna walked barefoot for days serving the people. "Inspired by Lord Krishna and his love for cows, I am literally following in his footsteps. I want to devote my life to the service of cows, just like Krishna and work for the welfare of society. I have constructed a cowshed in my village, which is home to 200 cows", PAAS leader Manoj Pannara said.

A resident of Morbi, Pannara says that he will walk barefoot for a total of 7 years, i.e. one more year.  He said he was just a servant wanting to work for those in need, just like Lord Krishna served as a human being. "Krishna has inspired me to dedicate my life for the larger human good", adds Pannara.

So does this walk in Lord's service also become a disadvantage occasionally? The PAAS leader says that because of being barefoot, he has been turned away from several five-star hotels. But determined to walk on the path laid down by Krishna, he feels no pain, no discomfort.

In today's times when politicians are so accustomed to lavish lifestyles, ranging from wearing branded clothing to living in five-hotels, Manoj Panara's story is a welcome departure and an account that draws attention for its resolve to serve.