I went to Rashtrapati Bhavan on 16th March 2022 and asked a security guard, “Is the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan? I wish to speak to him about his grandchildren.” The guard replied, “You either need to have a pass to enter like the person who just went in or we should receive a call from the President’s office about visitors and let them in after verifying their identity.” I told him, “I am willing to speak to him over the phone.” He said, “We do not have the President’s phone number. If any call comes from inside, we respond to it.”
Then, I took a bus to the Delhi High Court. I asked a lawyer waiting near the gate, “Do you know a lawyer who belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe?” He replied, “I do not know any such person. Why do you ask?” I replied, “The government claims that the purpose of reservation is to bring the social and economic status of backward sections of society to level of the general category. I wish to speak to them regarding this.” He said, “You may find someone in Patiala House Court.” I thanked him and went there. I was unable to speak to any lawyer there as the lawyers were rushing to board buses and taxis.
I took a bus to Nizamuddin Railway Station. By the time I walked to Sarai Kale
Khan Bus Stand it was around around 7 p.m. I saw many buses which had Rewari written on them but the conductors told me that those would depart in the morning. I asked the drivers of buses going to towns in Rajasthan whether those would go via Rewari. They directed me to a particular platform. I purchased some snacks and ate them while waiting for a bus. A bus going to my destination came there around 10 p.m. I boarded it and reached Rewari Bus Stand around midnight. I lay down on a bench there after applying Odomos cream on my face, arms and legs. I was not able to sleep because of the buzzing of mosquitoes.
On 17th March, I walked from Rewari Bus Stand to Shahjahanpur. On the way a sole of one of my chappals got detached. My legs were paining as I was not accustomed to walking such a long distance. I booked a room at Ayaan Residency for the night. While I was having dinner, the owner asked me, “What is the purpose of your visit?” I replied, “I am conducting a survey regarding the effectiveness of the current reservation policy.” He said, “I appreciate your initiative. My phone number is printed on the hotel visting card. If you need any help regarding accommodation or anything else for the next 60 kilometres, feel free to contact me.”
On 18th March, I saw many people throwing colours on each to celebrate Holi while I was walking towards Neemrana. There were many shops selling soaps and detergents and factories of Japanese companies beside the highway. On the way, the sole of the other chappal got detached. I went to the Neemrana Police Station and told a policeman, "I am conducting a survey regarding reservation. Do you know any employee of police department who belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe?" He replied, "I do not know anyone." Then I went to an ATM to withdraw cash. I walked to Behror and asked the receptionist of Hotel Ashoka, "Is a room available for 1 night?" He replied, "It is available. How many people are with you and where is your vehicle?" I said, "I am alone. I came by walk." He asked, "Where did you come from and where are you going?" I replied, "I came from Shahjahanpur and am going to Jaipur." He was very surprised and allotted me a room. The person who came to the room to deliver a towel and TV remote asked me, "Are you going on a pilgrimage?" I replied, "No. I am conducting a survey regarding reservation." He questioned, "Till where do you plan to walk?" I replied, "Till Bhuj in Gujarat." He said, "It is very far. It may take you two or three months."
On 19th March, while walking towards Kotputli, I found a cobbler who stitched new soles on my chappals.
On the way, a farmer stopped me and asked, "Where are you walking in this heat? Didn't you get transport?" I replied, "I am walking from Haryana to Gujarat to conduct a survey about reservation. This way I can interact with more people." He said, "Please drink water. You can wait here and go in the evening." I told him, "I do not mind walking in the heat." Half an hour later, a motorcycle rider offered me a lift to the next town which I declined. After waking a few kilometres, I found Hotel Aam Bagh and booked a room for the night. I opened the room door using an RFID card instead of a key.
On 20th March, I went to a Regional Transport Office in Kotputli and asked an employee whether he knew any government employee who belonged to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. He did not know anyone. I walked further and booked a room in Hotel Highway Kanji for the night.
On 21st March, I went to the Pragpura Police Station and told a policeman about the survey. He did not know any candidate. I walked to Bahdoda and booked a room for the night.
On 22nd March, I walked to Shahpura and went to the police station. I told a policeman about the survey. He offered me water and asked me, "What are the survey questions?" I replied, "I am thinking of asking them whether they can afford a summer vacation for their family to Goa, Shimla or Mysuru, whether they can afford private coaching for competitive exams like NEET, JEE or CLAT for their children, whether their families are invited if their neighbours organise Ganesh Puja, Lakshmi Puja or Satyanarayan Puja at their homes, whether their children have to fill their water bottles from a different tap at school. If they answer yes to the first three questions and no to the last question, I plan to ask them to give me their child's caste or tribe certificate." A policewoman asked me, "What do you plan to do with the certificates?" I replied, "I plan to deposit them at the Collector's Office." The policeman said, "He is correct. Economically well-off families should not get the benefit of reservation." The policewoman questioned, "Where did you come from? Which organisation do you belong to?" I replied, "I have started my walk from Rewari. I do not belong to any organisation. I am conducting this survey in my individual capacity." All the people present there were stunned. Then I went to the Tehsildar's office and told an employee about the survey. He advised me to speak to the Tehsildar. The Tehsildar asked me, "Which state do you reside in?" I replied, "I am a resident of Gujarat." He said, "In that case, you can conduct the survey there. Do not do it here." Then I walked a few kilometres an booked a room at Ghasipura for the night.
On 23rd March, I went to a substation in Achrol and told a security guard about the survey. He did not know any candidate. I booked a room at Jammu and Punjab Hotel for the night.
On 24th March, when I was walking towards Amer, a security guard of a resort stopped me and asked, "What are you selling?" I replied, "I am walking to Gujarat." I walked a few kilometres and enquired about the availability of room at Hotel Kanak Palace. He asked me the purpose of my visit. When I told him, "Your cause is good. I am giving ₹100 discount on the room rent."
On 25th March, I took a bus to Gopalpura Mod. I went to the office of Samachar Jagat and asked a security guard, "Do you know any government employee who belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe? I am conducting a survey about reservation." He replied, "I do not know any such person. You can go and ask at the student hostel." Then I went to a Patanjali store and bought crack heal cream as my heels pained while walking. I took a bus to the Ajmer road, walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Hotel Sky Inn.
On 26th March, I went to the Bhakrota Police Station and told a policeman about the survey. He introduced me to the station in-charge. After I told him the purpose of my visit, he said, "Our department does not discriminate against anyone. We treat Brahmins, Thakurs, Rajputs and Shudras equally." I booked a room at Hotel Riddhi Siddhi for the night.
On 27th March, I went to a police station and told a policeman about the survey. He introduced me to the station in-charge. The station in-charge asked, "Which department do you belong to?" I replied, "I do not belong to any department. I am conducting this survey in my personal capacity." Then he left the room quietly. After waking further, I enquired about the availability of a room at Jaipur Paratha Junction. When the owner learnt that I was walking to Gujarat, he said, "You can stay at a Dharamshala or a temple for free. Do you have enough money for the room rent?" I replied, "I have sufficient money."
On 28th March, I went to the Bandar Sindri police station and asked a policeman, "Do you know any government employee who belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe?" He said, "Why are you asking this question?" I replied, "The government claims that the purpose of reservation is to bring the social and economic status of weaker sections of society to the level of the general category. I am conducting a survey regarding this."
The other visitors who were sitting there asked, "You can conduct the survey within a radius of 200 kilometres from your home. Why are you conducting the survey here?" I replied, "Jats in Haryana, Gujjars in Rajasthan and Patels in Gujarat rioted while demanding reservation. So I thought of conducting a survey in these three states." The policeman said, "I belong to a Other Backward Class and these visitors belong to Scheduled Castes. You can ask your questions." I asked them, "Do your children have to fill their water bottles from a separate tap at school?" They replied, "No." I questioned them, "If there is any festival such as Ganesh Puja, Lakshmi Puja or Satyanarayan Puja in your neighbours' house, is your family invited?" They replied, "Yes." I asked them, "Can you afford to take your family for sightseeing in Shimla, Goa or Mysuru during summer vacation?" They replied, "Yes." When I was about the fourth question, the policeman said, "You can provoke riots by asking such questions. I can give you money for bus fare if you promise to go straight home." I declined his offer and was about to leave. He requested me to wait for tea. After I drank tea, he informed me, "The person who served us tea belongs to a Scheduled Caste. We do not discriminate against people based on their background." Before I left, the policeman warned me, "In future, if I hear that from anyone that you are conducting this survey, it will not be good for you."
Then I went to a cobbler who stitched the tears in my shoulder bag.
I went to Hotel Metro to
enquire about the availability of a room. After I saw the room and
was satisfied, the receptionist asked the purpose of my visit and
wished to see my identity card. I told him the purpose and showed him
my Electoral Photo Identity Card. He saw it and said, "It has a
Gujarat address but you do not look like a Gujarati." I replied,
"I live in Gujarat but I am from Andhra Pradesh." He was
unwilling to give me a room so I went to Hotel Pink Palace nearby. The receptionist saw the address on my Electoral Photo Identity Card and spoke to me in Gujarati. I was unable to understand so he asked a lot of questions in Hindi and wished to see my Aadhar card. I showed him a photo of my Aadhar card on my phone. Finally he was satisfied and allotted me a room. Then he told me that the police of the area was very strict and checked the guest registers regularly.
On 29th March, while I was walking towards Kishangarh, I saw that a bus had stopped and was not starting despite the repeated efforts of the driver. So a policeman was stopping passersby. 10 of us pushed the bus and the bus was able to start. I booked a room in hotel Krrish Palace for the night.
On 30th March, I went to the Kishangarh Bus Stand and boarded a bus to Ajmer. I visited the museum in the Ajmer Fort and bought moisturising cream at a Patanjali store as my arms got blistered due to the heat. Then I boarded a bus to Pushkar and visited Pushkar Sarovar and the Brahma Temple. I was very surprised to see many Hebrew boards and the availability of Israeli dishes. After returning to the Ajmer Bus Stand, I took a share auto to the Ajmer Bypass and booked a room at Lemon Tea hotel for the night.
On 31st March, when I was walking towards Beawar, a man riding a motorcycle offered me a lift. I declined by stating that I was walking to Gujarat. After he learnt the purpose of the walk, he asked, "Are you hungry? Do you need water?" I replied, "I already had lunch. I have enough water." Then he offered me ₹100. I refused initially. As he insisted, I accepted the money and thanked him. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Hotel Sarovar for the night.
On 1st April, a truck driver sitting a bus stop asked me what I was selling. I told him that I was conducting a survey about reservation. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Hotel Kapish for the night. After I took dinner, the owner asked me the purpose of my visit. After I told him, he said, "You are very simple-minded. You can join a political party and contact influential people in big cities like Delhi or Jaipur. Better go home instead of wasting time and money." I replied, "Someone had to start somewhere."
On 2nd April, I went to Beawar Police Station and told a policeman about my survey. He introduced me to the station in-charge. The station in-charge said, "I belong to a Scheduled Tribe. You can ask your questions." I asked, "Can you afford a trip to Shimla, Goa or Mysuru for your family during summer vacation?" He replied, "No." I asked, "If your child wishes to become a lawyer, can you afford Common Law Admission Test coaching fees of institutes like T.I.M.E. or Career Launcher?" He replied, "Yes." I asked, "If your neighbours organise Ganesh Puja or Lakshmi Puja at their homes, is your family invited?" He replied, "Yes." Then he said, "You can conduct the survey in the post office nearby." I thanked him for his time and left. While I was walking to Barr, a scooter driver offered me a lift which I declined. I went to the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Hotel at Barr and enquired about the availability of a room. The caretaker wished to know the purpose of my visit and see my identity card. He advised me to go to Jaideep Guest House as it had lower room rent. I went there and booked a room for the night.
On 3rd April, when I was walking towards Pipliya Kalan, a man questioned me, "Did you have lunch?" I replied, "Yes." He asked, "Are you willing to work in a restaurant?" I declined his offer. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Laxmi Hotel for the night.
On 4th April, when I was walking towards Sojat, a thorn on a dry branch which was lying on the road pierced my right toe. I went to the side of the road and washed the wound with water and applied a band-aid which I was carrying in my bag on it. I walked slower than usual because of the pain till I reached Hotel Sunrise where I booked a room for the night. I washed the blood off my chappal after bathing.
On 5th April, I went to the Sojat Police Station and told a policeman about the survey. He did not know any candidate and advised me to go to Pali as it was the district headquarters. 2 hours after eating Alu Paratha at a restaurant, I had an uneasy sensation in my stomach. A few minutes later, I vomitted my previous meal on the road. Then I drank 3 glasses of water from an earthen pot which was kept on the side of the road. When I was walking towards Pali, a truck driver asked me where I was going. After I told him, he offered me a lunch packet which I declined. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Hotel Naresh Palace for the night.
On 6th April, I went to the Pali District Court and told a lawyer about the survey. He introduced me to a lawyer who belonged to a Scheduled Caste. I asked him, "Can you afford a summer vacation to Goa, Shimla or Mysuru for your family?" He replied, "I do not spend money on such activities. I prefer feeding cows as it is a noble cause." I questioned, "If your child wishes toIf your child wishes to become a lawyer, can you afford Common Law Admission Test coaching fees of institutes like T.I.M.E. or Career Launcher?" He replied, "No." I asked, " "If your neighbours organise Ganesh Puja or Lakshmi Puja at their homes, is your family invited?" He replied, "Yes." I asked, "Does your child have to drink water from a separate tap at school?" He replied, "No." I thanked him for his time and left. I went to the Agriculture Office and told an employee about the survey. He did not know any candidate. After I visited Bangar Museum, I went to a restaurant and ordered Dal Bati. In the middle of my meal, the uneasy sensation in my stomach returned. I requested the waiter to pack the remaining meal. I walked to the Bus Stand and booked a room at Hotel Divya Inn for the night. After checking in to room, I passed watery stool several times, had bath and took rest for a few hours. In the evening when I felt better, I went out and bought 1 kilogram of sweet lemons. I drank the dal and ate two sweet lemons for dinner. I had covered almost half of the distance which I had planned but was able to meet just 2 candidates for the survey which I was conducting and had no way of knowing whether they answered the questions truthfully. So I decided to create a different survey which involved asking people which reservation policy they preferred - the present reservation policy or the alternative reservation policy and their opinion regarding various aspects of reservation. I also decided to vacate hotel rooms between 7:30 and 8 a.m. in future instead of vacating them between 9:30 and 10 a.m. to reduce the time which I spent walking in the heat.
On 7th April, the watery stool had stopped. I ate 2 sweet lemons for breakfast and took 1 tablet to prevent loose motion as a precaution. While walking towards Gundoj, I stopped at a bus stop and ate 3 sweet lemons for lunch. I booked a room at Jai Shree Krishna Arvind Hotel for the night. I ate 2 sweet lemons and some bati for dinner.
On 8th April, when I was walking towards Sanderao, I stopped at a petrol pump to fill my water bottle. An employee asked me where I was going so I told him. Then I went to a restaurant and had Poha for breakfast. I did not feel any uneasiness and got the confidence to eat regular food. I walked further and booked a room at Hotel Darshan for the night.
On 9th April, when I was walking towards Sumerpur, a tractor driver offered me a lift which I declined. I booked a room at Hotel Mahendra Palace for the night.
On 10th April, I went to a cobbler in Sumerpur who stitched the tears in my shoulder bag. The volume of the bag got reduced so I was unable to carry my water bottle in it. While walking through the market, I saw a man operating a quadcopter and a few police personnel monitoring the crowd. A few minutes later, a procession followed a chariot in which children dressed as Ram, Lakshman and Sita sat. I felt very sad that Hindus are unable to celebrate festivals with peace of mind in a country where they are in the majority. Then I saw a Ram Navami Mela which had many rides for children and food stalls. I ate Bhel Puri at a food stall. I walked further and booked a room at Hotel Ashirwad for the night. I started creating the survey in English.
On 11th April, when I was walking towards Sirohi, a man sitting in a tea stall asked me where I was going. When I told him, he offered to take me to a restaurant for lunch. I declined as I already had my meal. Then the tea stall owner offered me water and tea which I drank. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Hotel Shagun for the night.
On 12th April, I walked through a tunnel on the way to Pindwara. I went to Hotel Madhavi and found that a room was available for the night. When the receptionist asked for my identity card, I searched for my Electoral Photo Identity Card in my purse but it was missing. So I gave him my Permanent Account Number card which he accepted. After bathing I checked my bag but it was not there. So I phoned Hotel Shagun and told the person who answered, "I stayed at your hotel yesterday and gave you my Voter Card for taking a xerox copy. Is it with you?" He replied, "I shall check and let you know after an hour." I waited for 2 hours but did not receive a call. So I telephoned the hotel again. The same person lifted the phone and said, "Why are you pestering me again and again?" I replied, "I did not receive a call from you. I am worried because I am unable to find my Voter Card." When I phoned the hotel 2 hours later, another person answered. He told me, "Your Voter Card is with us." I replied, "I shall come to collect it tomorrow morning." I finished creating the survey in English.
On 13th April, I went to the highway and asked a share taxi driver, "Will you go to Sarneshwar Mandir?" The temple was situated on the highway and was 1 kilometre away from Hotel Shagun. He replied, "Yes." I asked, "What is the fare?" He said, "₹20." So I boarded the share taxi. I was very surprised when he went to Sirohi Bus Stand and said, "This is the last stop. Everyone get down." When I questioned the driver, he pretended to have misunderstood me and said, "I thought you meant Saneeshwar Mandir. Now pay me ₹40." I vehemently protested, "If you had told me this before I boarded, I would have taken another vehicle. Firstly you did not drop me at the promised place and secondly you are demanding more than the agreed fare." He angrily replied, "Do not spoil my mood early in the morning. I paid ₹40 unwillingly and walked 3 kilometres to Hotel Shagun. I collected my Electoral Photo Identity Card, went to the highway, waited for 45 minutes but did not find any share auto, share taxi or bus going towards Pindwara. I asked a person at a restaurant nearby who advised me to take a share auto to Sirohi Bus Stand where buses going to Pindwara were available. I followed his advice, reached the bus stand and boarded a bus going to Udaipur and got down at Pindwara Bus Stand. I walked to Hotel Jai Baba Ramdev and booked a room for the night. I translated the survey into Hindi.
On 14th April, I walked towards Abu Road and booked a room at Hotel Priyanka for the night. I translated the survey into Bengali.
On 15th April when I was walking towards Mount Abu, a motorcycle driver asked me, "Where are you going?" I replied, "I am going to Dilwara Jain Temple." He said, "I can drop you at Talahati. Vehicles stop there to pick up passengers going to Mount Abu." I accepted his offer and sat behind him. On the way he questioned, "Are you a Jain?" I replied, "No, I am a Hindu." Then he asked, "In that case why are you going there? I replied, "I read that it has beautiful carvings. So I think that it is a place worth visiting." He said, "Fine. You can also visit Ranakpur Jain Temple which is bigger and has equally elaborate carvings." After he pointed out the pickup point, I thanked him for dropping me. I boarded a share taxi which dropped me near Mount Abu Bus Stand. I walked to the Dilwara Temple and reached there at the time when a priest was explaining the history of the temple to a group of paramilitary personnel. Outside the temple a tourist requested me to click his photos and I obliged. Then I walked to Nakki Lake. There were huge crowds at shops selling ice cream and carbonated drinks but hardly anyone at fruit stalls. I went to a fruit stall and bought raw mango and pineapple slices. Then I went to Mount Abu Bus Stand and boarded a share taxi to Abu Road Bus Stand. I went to Hotel Jaideep and enquired about the availability of a room. As the owner did not accept online payments, I went to an ATM nearby, withdrew money and paid him.
On 16th April, while I was walking towards Amirgadh, I saw a man standing beside his motorcycle on the side of the road. I asked him, "I am conducting a survey about reservation. Can you spare 10 minutes?" He replied, "Yes." Then I showed him the survey introduction page on my phone and said, "Please read it." He told me, "I do not wish to read it. Can you explain it in your own words?" I replied, "Sure. The current reservation policy has many disadvantages such as privileged people getting undue benefits, fake identity certificates-" He interrupted me by asking, "What is your motive?" I continued, "Because of these I have proposed an alternative reservation policy which is based on parents' education and-" He got irritated and said, "This does not concern me. I run my own business. Why are you annoying me?" I replied, "I told you about the survey only after you agreed that you could spare 10 minutes." Then his friend arrived and they left. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Hotel Bhagyoday for the night.
On 17th April, while walking towards Palanpur, I asked a few people waiting at a bus stop if they could spare 10 minutes for the survey. They were not interested. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at a hotel in Khemana for the night.
18th April, I approached parents waiting near a school in Palanpur. They were not interested in participating in the survey. While walking to Deesa, I saw a family drinking sugarcane juice on the side of the road. I approached the oldest member of the family and told him about the survey. He told me to go a grocery shop owner nearby. I went there and told him the purpose of my visit. Then I said, "The current reservation policy has many disadvantages such as-" He interrupted, "Absolutely. Children of Scheduled Caste IAS officers become IAS officers and children of Scheduled Tribe doctors become doctors. On the other hand, truly poor and marginalised people living in slums and forests do not get benefited. There are many poor priests and farmers who are totally neglected by the government. Reservation should be based on solely on economic criteria." The sugarcane juice seller came there to listen. I said, "That is why I have proposed an alternative reservation policy which is based on parents' education and income." Then I asked his opinion about other aspects of the reservation such as age relaxation and reservation in promotions but he was not interested. Then the sugarcane juice seller offered me a glass of sugarcane juice and declined payment. I went to Hotel Deepak and enquired about the availability of a room. The receptionist asked me where I came from, my destination and the purpose of my visit. When I told him, he questioned, "Did you go inside villages on the route from Palanpur to here for conducting the survey?" I replied, "No. I just asked people whom I met on the highway." On seeing my Electoral Photo Identity Card he remarked, "It has a Gujarat address but you do not look like a Gujarati." I replied, "My family is from Andhra Pradesh." Then he agreed to allot me a room for the night.
On 19th April, I went to a cobbler in Deesa who stitched my chappal's strap which got detached. Then I went to the market and told a person sitting there about the survey. He said, "I am illiterate. I have no knowledge about this topic." I tried to explain to him but he was not interested. Hearing this another person said, "Why are you wasting your time? You can run your own business." A third person offered to buy me tea. He said, "Your cause is good but how many people are willing to understand? You are unnecessarily spending money on food and accommodation." I asked him, "Where do you work?" He replied, "I work in a bank." I walked further and approached a person about the survey. He asked, "Which organisation do you belong to? Show me your identity card." I replied, "I do not belong to any organisation." and showed him my Electoral Photo Identity Card. He said, "You can ask that stationary shop owner." I went there and told him about the survey but he was not interested. I went to Hotel Kabira and enquired about the availability of a room. One of the visitors overheard the receptionist asking me my destination and purpose of visit and appreciated my cause.
On 20th April, while I was walking towards Shihori, I saw a group of truck drivers having lunch at a bus stop. One of them asked me, "Where are you going?" I replied, "I am conducting a survey about reservation. In the current reservation policy children of privileged people like doctors and police officers keep on getting benefits while poor-" Another driver interrupted, "I am a Jai Bhim person. The present reservation policy is necessary and should continue as it is. I am driving a truck because I am not highly educated. I am not able to take advantage of the reservation policy because I do not have the educational qualifications. I know many people who have benefited from the current reservation policy and have not come across a single deserving candidate who was unable to utilise it. Majority of the jobs are in the private sector and government is privatising many organisations. What will you do if the majority of people favour the current reservation policy?" I replied, "It is not certain. We can know for sure only by conducting a survey." He said, "Wait here till we finish our lunch. I can drop you in the next town." I declined his offer. I walked a few kilometres and booked a room at Hotel Rajdhani for the night.
On 21st April, while I was walking towards Radhanpur, I stopped at a restaurant for breakfast. While paying for it, the cashier asked, "What is the purpose of your visit?" I replied, "I am conducting a survey regarding reservation." He misunderstood and asked, "Are you surveying the road?" The highway was in poor condition. By that time, other employees came to hear us. I took out my phone, opened the introduction page of the survey in Google Chrome and used the 'Translate' option to translate it into Gujarati. I gave my phone to a listener, "Do you wish to participate in the survey?" He read it, handed me my phone and said, "Nothing can be achieved by this. The government is not going to listen." I went to Thara and enquired about the availability of rooms at 2 hotels. Both of them were fully booked. No hotels were listed on Google Maps for the next 30 kilometres. So I boarded a share taxi to Radhanpur and booked a room at Hotel Flamingo for the night. I went out and had a haircut after sometime.
On 22nd April, while I was walking towards Varahi, I stopped at a petrol pump to drink water. A man sitting there asked, "Where are you from? Why are you walking in this heat?" so I told him. He said, "Show me your identity card." I declined and was about to leave. He told me, "Please do not misunderstand me. The people here do not have good character. This activity can be dangerous for you. You can board a train at the railway station and go home. I am saying this for your welfare." I went to a few hotels in Santalpur and found that rooms were not available. I went to Hotel Kamal and asked to see a room. The person showing me the room asked, "Have you come here to work on the solar project?" There was a solar park 20 kilometres away. I replied, "No. I am conducting a survey about reservation." As I was very tired, I agreed to take the room even though it was very dirty.
On 23rd April, while I was walking towards Adesar, I saw few ladies sitting at a bus stop and approached them. They were unable to understand Hindi and unable to read Gujarati. I told a man who came there about the survey. He said, "I am busy right now. You can go to the Pachayat Office in the village." I went there but no one was interested to participate in the survey. I walked further on the highway and booked a room at Hotel Sahara for the night.
On 24th April, while I was walking towards Mevasa, I stopped at a temple to drink water. An old man sitting there asked me, "Why are you walking in this heat? Don't you have a motorcycle?" I replied,"I do not have one." A few kilometres later, a policeman who was standing at a checkpost asked me my destination and wished to see my identity card. I told him my destination and showed him my Electoral Photo Identity Card. I walked further and booked a room at Hotel Sahyog for the night.
On 25th April, when I was walking towards Samakhiali, a driver who was preparing to take bath outside a Dhaba asked me where I was going so I told him. I went to Ashopalav Hotel and enquired about the availability of a room. Rooms were available but the receptionist did not accept online payments. So I went to an ATM nearby, withdrew money and paid him.
On 26th April, while I was walking towards Bhachau, I stopped at Chamunda Kripa Restaurant for lunch. I ordered a Gujarati Thali and was stunned by the variety of dishes offered in the Thali - Nan, Paratha, Roti, salads, curries, pickles, fried rice, buttermilk, Shrikhand, etc. Waiters came repeatedly to ask if I needed anything more and I had to refuse them several times. I walked further and booked a room at Shri Verai Kripa Guest House for the night.
On 27th April, while I was walking towards Bhimasar, a grocery shop owner asked me where I was going so I told him. The receptionist at Hotel Gokul asked, "Which company do work in?" I replied, "I do not work in a company here. I have come to conduct a survey regarding reservation." Then he allotted me a room for the night.
On 28th April, I walked to Anjar and enquired about the availability of rooms at a few hotels but was denied. So I boarded a bus to Bhuj and went to the Swaminarayan Temple there to offer my gratitude for my safe journey. I booked a room at VRP Guest House for the night.
A few observations about my journey:
1) More than 90% of restaurants, hotels, grocery shops and fruit vendors accepted online payments. So I did not have to withdraw cash from ATMs many times.
2) Drinking water was available at petrol pumps, restaurants and temples so I was never thirsty for a long time.
3) Toilets were available at petrol pumps. A few of them were locked but most of them were open to the public.
4) Except on the route from Rewari to Jaipur, there were bus stops every 3-4 kilometres which enabled me to take rest while walking.
5) Except on the route from Radhanpur to Mevasa, the internet speed of Jio was very good.
6) Except 5-6 hotels, I was able to get a room at hotels at which I enquired.
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