Aamir visits Mountain Man's village, meets his family
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan Tuesday visited Gahlaur village and met family members of Dasrath Manjhi, who single-handedly carved out a road by cutting through a hill in Bihar, for his TV show Satyamev Jayate 2.
Published: Tuesday,Feb 25, 2014 17:02 PM GMT-07:00
Amid tight security, Aamir spent nearly half an hour here and interacted with Bhagirath Manjhi and Basanti Devi, the son and daughter-in-law of Dasrath Manjhi and other members of his family.
"I am really happy to be here to touch the soil of this land, where a man has created a rare example of making difference with his dedication and commitment of years for selfless cause," Aamir told media persons here.
The actor-producer said that he has fulfilled his wish to visit the place associated with Dasrath Manjhi.
Both Bhagirath and Basanti, who are disabled and live in penury at Dasrathnagar Dalit tola near Gahlaur in Gaya district, about 100 km from state capital Patna, told Aamir in Magahi, a local dialect, that they are living in abject poverty and sought his help to improve their condition.
"We have told the visiting hero (Aamir) that he should tell the world the real story of our lives that may help us to get the long awaited attention of the government," Bhagirath, who was upbeat after meeting Aamir said.
Basanti Devi said she explained the real story of their lives, full of misery, to Aamir.
But she was disappointed that Aamir did not eat special traditional food prepared by her for him.
"Sahebs (Officials) did not allow him to take food prepared by me," she said.
Dasrath Manjhi, popularly known as "Mountain Man", using nothing more than a hammer and a chisel and working day and night, single-handedly cut a 360 feet long, 30 feet high and 30 feet wide passage through a hill near Gahlaur. He died in 2007, battling with cancer.
The hill stands between Attari and Wazirgunj blocks in Gaya district. Thanks to Manjhi, the village blocks have been brought closer and Gahlaur has got an access to a road beyond the hill. Manjhi began his uphill work when his wife was injured and he had to go around the hills to reach the nearest hospital on the other side.
Bhagirath and Basanti work in the village primary school as cooks, preparing the mid-day meal for children. Both of them are paid Rs.1,000 a month. Both of them were given a day's leave by school authorities on Tuesday to meet Aamir.
Aamir reportedly said he will visit Dasrathnagar to dedicate the first episode of Satyamev Jayate 2 to Dasrath Manjhi, the man who made the impossible possible with his hard work and dedication.
The episode is set for telecast on March 2.
ALSO READ: Udne Ki Aasha: Sailee holds Sachin responsible for all the misfortunes
Comments (12)
waiting for Satyamev Jayate 2 to rock again aamir u re best...
10 years ago
u re a man of big heart aamir love u god bless u aamir nd bless the family of mountain man waiting for Satyamev Jayate 2
10 years ago
Great work aamir god bless u and the family of mountain man
10 years ago
Thats a great effort. Atleast we will come to know about him. I have not heard about him earlier. But Hats off to him. Some financial help should be provided to him. hoping for the best after the telecast of the episode
10 years ago
Salute To The Mountain Man for his determination and will power. I had read his story earlier in my books and I'm as proud now as I was back then. I'm proud be an Indian
10 years ago
Salute d Mountain Man..Thanx to Aamir to introduse him... Aamir most respectable person in B'wood.. No one be nyc as him... Love u Aamir Khan ..Only u can do dis.. U r my all time fav person & actor... Eagerly waiting for dis epd.
10 years ago
salute & respect to the mountain men.may his soul rest in peace & he get his due recognition.thank you aamir 4 bringing his story in front of world, hopefully it would bring a positive change in their family's life.disappointed by the pathetic attitude of govt.
10 years ago
My salutations to The Mountain Man. Thanks to Aamir and team for bringing this to the viewers.
10 years ago
Eagerly waiting for the episode to air. Respect is the word for you Aamir and hope your efforts do actually highlight the family's status and help them getting their rightful dues from the government.
10 years ago
Salute to d Man n Aamir 4 this *Respect*
10 years ago