And now... sadhus form trade union to protect their interests!

The Gangasagar Mela this year witnessed an unlikely confluence of religion and politics when Naga sadhus attending the mela made a surprise announcement: they said they had formed a 'union'. This highly worldly wise step, they explained, was necessary to protect their rights over camping space at Sagar Island, where they congregate during the annual fair.

"Sadhus, too, have a right to earn their living," said Suddhananda Giri Maharaj, spokesman of the organisation, sounding as confident as a seasoned trade unionist. But that 'right', even the ascetic realised, couldn't be had without some hard collective bargaining. And hence the union.

The organisation, launched on the eve of Makar Sankranti, January 15, has been named Ahvan Jahnu Niranjani Union. The name itself smacks of a crafty compromise generally associated with political 'mergers'. It bears the names of all three akharas or religious communes to which most of the Naga sadhus belong.

The objectives of the union were spelt out in clear terms. The organisation was committed to arranging camping space and security for the sadhus in the fair, besides ensuring a decent income for their subsistence.

Obviously, the sadhus hope to see these objectives fulfilled not so much to attain their spiritual goals as to sustain their temporal existence.

Take the issue of camping space, for instance. Traditionally, the Naga sadhus have enjoyed the privilege of camping closest to the Kapil Muni temple at the Gangasagar Mela. The place where they had always stayed is much sought after not merely for its proximity to the famous temple but because earnings from pilgrims's donations are the highest at that spot.

But in recent years, the Naga sadhus have found themselves being gradually edged out, as an increasing number of other sadhus and vendors, converging on Sagar Island each year, usurp their camping site.

The Naga sadhus, who come from the faraway Himalayas, the Rajasthan desert and even Nepal, are usually the last to arrive. And by the time they land up, the prime spot is invariably occupied. This has been happening for the last fewyears, resulting in a sizeable loss of income for them. So now, these holy men are angry and are demanding that their 'traditional right' be protected.

That, however, won't be easy so long as camping arrangements remain makeshift and temporary. So the union, at a meeting with the district authorities on January 16, proposed the construction of a permanent ashram near the Kapil Muni temple at its own expenses. If permission is given, the union promises to hand over one-fourth of the ashram's earnings to the state government. The rest of the money would take care of the ashram's maintenance and the sadhu's travel costs.

Of late, the Naga sadhus are also facing security problems. In the past, people steered clear of them because of their menacing appearance and short tempers. With the changing times, they are no longer able to command the awe and reverence they once did. Intimidation by hoodlums is now not uncommon.

This year, there was trouble between the Naga sadhus and local toughs over the occupation of camp sites. Sanatam Giri, a union organiser, alleged that some drunken ruffians even raided a tent of women Naga sadhvis and tried to set it on fire. Ironically, the attackers claimed that they were objecting to the 'immoral' practice of nudism at the fair ground. It was this attack that prompted the sadhus to form their union to take up the matter with the district magistrate.

That the changing times have left their mark on the sadhus is there for all to see. The ascetics admit that they are increasingly finding it difficult to move around the country in their birthday suits. And that is why they have now decided to don some clothes, at least while travelling.

As they compromise with the prevailing social mores, the material needs of Naga sadhus are also going up. As a result, they are becoming more mindful of their earnings, they are free to admit. Doles from pilgrims are proving to be inadequate even for meeting their meagre needs.

So, this year, some of them sold handicrafts which they had brought along. A major attraction was a woven sling bag with intricate mirror-work made by Naga Sadhvi Mahant Prem Giri from Rajasthan. Despite the price tag - Rs 1,000 no less -- the item sold well.

Another innovation this year was that all pranamis (donations from devotees) were collected by the union is a common pool for equal distribution among its members later.

The mundane changes invading the Naga sadhus's unique way of life have not, however, robbed them of their mystic aura altogether. This was evident from the presence of a French youth among them this year. Chirstopher Guillaud, 27, was attenting the Gangasagar Mela for the first time. "My interest in the Naga sadhus was first raised when I saw a film on India. It was their self-restraint that attracted me most," said Guillaud, now rechristened Kailash Bharati.

Five years ago, Guillaud left his home in southern France and came to India. After some meandering, he met a Naga sadhu, Srimat Thanpati Bhola Bharati, in Varanasi who initiated him into the Sanatan Digambar order. The hardship of ascetic life seems to have suited him, but he still does not claim that he is a Naga sadhu. "I am just trying to become one," observes Guillaud. ''The asceticism of the Naga sadhus will give me greater peace in life," he asserts.

But if the concept of unionism catches on, and piety does take on a practical shape, will the life of the Naga sadhus ever be the same again?

Courtesy: Sunday magazine