In a moving emotional and symbolic act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself put shoes on the feet of Rampal Kashyap, a resident of Haryana who had gone barefoot for 14 years, promising to do so till he saw the Prime Minister.
Kashyap, who hails from Kaithal district, took his pledge in 2009 because he was convinced that Narendra Modi was the kind of leader India needed to change the country. He decided that he would never wear shoes until Modi not just became the Prime Minister but also personally met him. Kashyap held firm to his commitment during hot summers and cold winters over the years.
That moment of satisfaction finally came on Monday when PM Modi visited Yamunanagar and invited Kashyap to come and meet him. In a touching gesture, the Prime Minister stooped and assisted him in putting on shoes, clearly shaken by the experience.
“This vow was not just for me—it represents the strength of the people’s hope for a better India,” PM Modi said while addressing the crowd afterward. “Walking barefoot for 14 years is an unimaginable sacrifice. I am touched, but I also request people not to take such vows again.”
The encounter left Kashyap emotionally overwhelmed. Fighting back tears, he said that he thanked the Prime Minister for the gesture, describing the experience as the realization of his dream since childhood.
Posting the moment on social media, PM Modi tweeted on X (previously Twitter):
"Met Shri Rampal Kashyap Ji from Kaithal at today's public meeting in Yamunanagar.". He took a vow 14 years back that he will wear shoes only after I become PM and I got to see him. People like Rampal Ji humble me and I am also accepting people's love like them but I would like to request all people who take vows like this. I value your love.pls concentrate on doing something which has a connection to social work and nation building!"
The emotional exchange has become a viral hit on social media, eliciting admiration for both the humility of the Prime Minister and Kashyap's steadfast commitment.
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