The story of a missing son’s unexpected return as an ascetic after 22 years in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district has captivated hearts and stirred emotions across the nation. Reported by NDTV, the tale unveils a poignant saga of separation, reunion, and spiritual transformation.
The journey of this missing son, Pinku, began over two decades ago when he disappeared from his home in Delhi at the tender age of 11. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain shrouded in mystery, with reports suggesting a disagreement with his father over playing marbles as the trigger for his departure. In a moment of youthful defiance, Pinku walked out of the family home, leaving behind a distraught mother, Bhanumati, and a grief-stricken family.
For 22 long years, Pinku’s whereabouts remained unknown, leaving his family grappling with anguish and uncertainty. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Pinku resurfaced in Amethi’s Kharauli village, not as the young boy who had vanished years ago, but as an ascetic adorned in traditional attire, seeking alms from his mother.
The emotional reunion between mother and son, captured in a viral video, tugs at the heartstrings of viewers. In the footage, Pinku, now transformed into an ascetic, is seen playing a three-stringed traditional musical instrument, Sarangi, while singing melancholic tunes. As he stands before his mother, who is overcome with emotion, tears stream down her face, mirroring the depths of her longing and sorrow over the years of separation.
The encounter takes a poignant turn as Pinku serenades his mother with a folk song recounting the tale of King Bharthari, a revered figure in Indian folklore who relinquished his kingdom to embrace the ascetic life. Through his song, Pinku poignantly echoes the theme of sacrifice and spiritual awakening, drawing parallels between his own journey and that of the legendary king.
For Bhanumati, the sight of her long-lost son, now transformed into an ascetic, is both a moment of joy and profound sadness. The scars of years of separation and uncertainty are etched deep within her heart, yet the sight of her son’s return offers a glimmer of hope and solace amidst the pain.
However, the reunion proves to be fleeting, as Pinku, bound by the rituals of his newfound ascetic life, departs from the village soon after. Despite the brief reunion, the emotional resonance of the encounter lingers, leaving an indelible mark on both mother and son.
Yet, amidst the bittersweet moments of reunion, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Pinku’s departure. His father alleges that the religious sect to which Pinku now belongs is demanding a hefty sum of ₹11 lakh for his release, a claim that underscores the complex dynamics surrounding his sudden return.
Pinku, however, offers a different perspective, stating that his visit was not driven by familial ties but rather by a religious ritual. According to him, aspiring monks must undergo a rite where they receive alms from their mother, symbolizing their formal transition into the ascetic way of life.
In the wake of Pinku’s departure and his sudden missing, questions linger about the true nature of his return and the circumstances that led to his transformation into an ascetic. Yet, amidst the uncertainties, one thing remains certain – the enduring bond between mother and son, a bond that transcends time, distance, and the complexities of life’s journey.
