Maharashtra BJP MLA Parag Shah, one of the state’s wealthiest legislators, spent a day on the streets of Mumbai dressed as a beggar, leaving behind his security detail, cars and expensive belongings for the unusual exercise.
The businessman-turned-politician said he undertook the experience on the advice of his Jain spiritual guru Namramuni during the ongoing special month, which is considered significant in Jain religious tradition, news agency PTI reported. Shah, who represents Ghatkopar (East), sought alms and ate food offered to him while sitting by the roadside. A video of the MLA in disguise went viral on social media, initially surprising viewers before details of the act emerged.
Reflecting on the experience, Shah said it gave him an understanding of how people behave when their social status is not known. Shah said the exercise also showed him the willingness of people in Mumbai to help others. He said the samosa seller continued to help him even after he said he had no money. “And that is my own experience’¦ when I told the samosa seller that I did not have money, he still gave me the samosa with a smile. The man was very small, a poor hawker, but without making a face even once, he gave me the samosa,” he said.
