Patna

Four young skaters from Bihar are on their way from Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan, to Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai, on skates. Their 2,700-kilometre skating journey is generating a lot of goodwill and enthusiasm as they share their journey on social media.

Naushad Ali from Chhapra, Mohammad Raja from Darbhanga, Mohammad Imran from Begusarai, and Junaid from Motihari began this journey just for adventure. At the outset, these young skaters had many questions in their minds. They wondered how strangers would treat them along the way. But as they moved along highways and roads, they experienced love.

On seeing the young skaters move amid the heat of Rajasthan, holding the tricolour, people stopped to watch and appreciate them.

The foursome had a wonderful experience on the day when Hindus across India were celebrating Ramnavami, the birthday of Lord Ram.

The four skaters were apprehensive about their journey that day, but a surprise awaited them.  When people - mostly Hindus - in the Ram Navami procession saw the skaters, they made way for them. They embraced and congratulated them.

The young skaters were stunned by this experience.

One of the young men shared a video on social media, expressing his joy. He emotionally said, "We never imagined that on Ram Navami we would receive so much love from our Hindu brothers. We saw no barriers of caste or religion between us. We saw only humanity. Seeing this fills our hearts with pride, demonstrating how truly beautiful our country is."

Their stories don't end there. When they stopped along the way, people offered them water and juice.

At one point, some people even showered them with cold drinks to help them escape the heat. The boys smiled and said, "Look how much love people are giving us."

Another interesting incident occurred on the highway. A police van stopped them. The driver asked, "Where are you going so far?" When the boys told him they were going to Ajmer Sharif, the policeman immediately took out his wallet.

He took out a Rs. 100 note and handed it to the boys, asking them to offer it at the dargah on his behalf. This wasn't just about the money, but the trust that a stranger showed in handing it over to them.

Naushad Ali, Mohammad Raja, Mohammad Imran and Junaid had been practising skating for the past three years. Their friendship began through social media.

Their passion for skating brought them together on the rink and on a journey of adventure and devotion. They are keen to tell the world that if one has good intentions, the entire country welcomes you.

The one leading the group holds the tricolour. On seeing this, people stop them on the way to take selfies. Children chase after him. Elders bless him. This journey is no longer just a religious pilgrimage; It has become a living example of brotherhood.

These boys are now heading towards Mumbai. Their bodies may be tired, but their spirits are high. They say this journey has taught them so much. The love they've seen on the streets is greater than any book or speech. The true beauty of India lies not in the glitz of the cities, but in the open-hearted people they meet along these roads.

This journey from Motihari to Mumbai will be remembered for centuries. This story is an answer to all those who seek out fault lines in society.

ALSO READ: Two-time World Champ Nikhat Zareen's story begins with smashing stereotypes

The message these young people have sent through skating is truly commendable. Hopefully, their courage and the respect they have received from the public will set an example for generations to come. Their skating continues, and so does this wonderful story of India's unity.