In a touching encounter during his Haryana visit on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a dedicated supporter who had taken an unusual vow 14 years ago – to remain barefoot until Modi became Prime Minister and he could meet him personally.
Rampal Kashyap, a 55-year-old labourer from Kheri Gulam Ali village in Kaithal district, finally saw his lengthy wait end when he met PM Modi in Yamunanagar during events marking Ambedkar Jayanti. Upon meeting Kashyap, the Prime Minister expressed concern, asking, “Why did you do this? Why put yourself through such hardship?”
Kashyap had pledged in 2010 that he would not wear shoes until Narendra Modi became Prime Minister and he could meet him in person. Although Modi assumed office in 2014, Kashyap continued walking barefoot as he had not yet fulfilled the second part of his vow – meeting the Prime Minister.
After their meeting, PM Modi gifted Kashyap a new pair of shoes, which he wore in the Prime Minister’s presence. Following the encounter, Modi shared a video on social platform X, writing: “At today’s public meeting in Yamunanagar, I met Shri Rampal Kashyap Ji from Kaithal. He had taken a vow 14 years ago- that he will only wear footwear after I became PM and he got to meet me.”
“I am humbled by people like Rampal Ji and also accept their affection but I want to request everyone who takes up such vows – I cherish your love…please focus on something that is linked to social work and nation building!” added PM.
Who is Rampal Kashyap?
Kashyap, who works as a labourer and has a wife, two sons, and a daughter, also serves as a BJP Shakti Kendra chief and previously held the position of Mandal president. Speaking to Navbharat Times, Kashyap mentioned that he has been voting for BJP in every election since he first became eligible to vote at 18.
When asked about meeting the Prime Minister, Kashyap described it as not only the fulfillment of his vow but “a momentous day for my entire life.”
During his visit to Haryana, PM Modi also recalled his previous connections to the state, mentioning that he used to visit Yamunanagar when he was the BJP’s state in-charge. He praised the city’s contribution to India’s economic development through its plywood, brass, and steel industries.
