The man holding his arm up since 1973
Amar Bharati is truly the embodiment of a human-like no other when it comes to perseverance. Many people actually do not believe that Bharti’s story is true, but it is as true as it can be. This man for the last 45 years has been holding his hand raised without once putting it down. Amar Bharati chose to become a Sadhu Indian about four decades ago, this means living a life away from material needs as well as any unholy activities, in other words, a monk.
In the 1970’s Bharati was working at an Indian bank, living a modest life with his wife and three children. One day he had an epiphany, out of nowhere which made him choose to leave his family, job, and friends in order to follow his religious calling.
In 1973 he chose to raise his hand and hold it up for the rest of his life in order to show his faith and appreciation towards Shiva. When asked why he is holding his hand up he always responded that this gesture is to militate against wars and support world peace as well as being a way to show his respect towards Shiva.
At first, the pain in his hand was terrible, but the pain never outweighed his dedication. After the first two years, he started losing any sort of sense in his hand and with that also the pain started to go away. This man is still holding his hand high and he is not planning to put it down any time soon. Even if he was to put his hand down, his muscles are severely atrophied, and most probably lowering his hand would cause permanent nerve damage in the arm.
In a rare interview taken by Indian media outlets at a ceremony Bharati said: “I don’t ask for much. Why do we fight between us, why is there so much hate and enmity between us? I want all Indians to live in peace. I want the whole world to live in peace.”