Uninhibited Territory

The sunrise on the pretty beaches of Puducherry did not bring any productive news for Kaka… 

Long distances and sore back don’t irk Kaka as much as no events for promoting organ donation awareness, B.O.Y. 2.0, and ReBirth do. When it is confirmed to him that he has no press meets or sessions scheduled for the day, he sits at the breakfast table like a grumpy kid forced to eat broccoli!

The lodge that Kaka is put up at, coincidentally, is the same one that hosted him during Bharat Organ Yatra last year! Kaka instantly feels at home; the lodge sitting near the beach is an added thrill!

While loitering around after having food, Kaka happens to spot a foreigner. Seizing the right moment, Kaka moves in to talk to her…

The Union Territory of Puducherry was once a French colony. Also a famous tourist spot, Puducherry is thronged by foreigners throughout the year, French being the majority. 

In his broken English, he introduces himself to the lady. On enquiring, Kaka finds out that she is French. The lodge’s receptionist steps in to build the translation bridge. The lady is astounded and impressed about Kaka being an organ donor and volunteering at ReBirth for B.O.Y. 2.0. But when asked for a photograph, she immediately goes cold and curtly declines sharing a frame.

Kaka respects her choice and moves on to kill more time. As the sunset nears, Kaka steps out to the beach only to find an interesting site.

A huge stage is erected on the beach. A crowd is gathered for the event. He hurries towards the stage and manages to talk to one of the management members. In a split second, he begins explaining B.O.Y. 2.0, introduces himself as an organ donor, and swipes through newspaper clippings on his phone. Desperately hoping that a supporting Tamil news clipping will be a saviour, he pleads for at least a minute to be granted to him. And knowing well that language might be a barrier and cause of disinterest, he nudges the guy to speak about him, B.O.Y. 2.0, and ReBirth in a sentence if not more on the stage.

The guy smiles, simply refuses, and continues to watch the show. Having no choice, Kaka walks away. Fuming a bit, he is disappointed of not being able to find an avenue to talk about organ donation. He spends the rest of the evening visiting the Gandhi Statue and the Governor’s House.

At every opportunity in the journey, Kaka is seen approaching strangers to promote B.O.Y. 2.0 and him being an organ donor. He has been turned down for presentation opportunities and photographs.

Despite no response, encouragement and/or appreciation, his spirit hasn’t dampened! We bet the next time he spots a person having some free time he will approach them and broach the subject of organ donation!

Awareness, after all, is word of mouth after belief of sight!

Day 029
Puducherry
– Juhi Kothari/Shetty