Yamunanagar (Haryana) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Rampal Kashyap, a man from Kaithal, Haryana, who had walked barefoot for the past 14 years in devotion—vowing not to wear footwear until Modi became the Prime Minister and he met him in person.
https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1911756643777618032
During their emotional encounter at a public meeting in Yamunanagar, PM Modi personally helped Kashyap wear shoes and gently urged him never to take such vows again.
“Aaj hum tumko joota pehna rahe hai par baad mai aaisa kuch karna nhi, kahbhi nahi. (I am making you wear shoes, but do not do it again. You should work, why you have done such a thing… giving yourself pain),” the Prime Minister told him.
Rampal Kashyap expressed his joy and gratitude after finally meeting PM Modi and fulfilling his long-standing promise.
PM Modi also addressed the touching moment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude while encouraging people to focus their energies on nation-building.
“At today’s public meeting in Yamunanagar, I met Shri Rampal Kashyap Ji from Kaithal. He had taken a vow 14 years ago — that he will only wear footwear after I became PM and he got to meet me. I am humbled by people like Rampal Ji and also accept their affection but I want to request everyone who takes up such vows — I cherish your love… please focus on something that is linked to social work and nation building!“
The post also featured a video of their interaction.
Alongside this personal encounter, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several key infrastructure and development projects in Haryana. These include:
- 800 MW Thermal Power Unit at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant
- Compressed Biogas Plant at Yamunanagar
- New Terminal Building at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, worth over ₹410 crore, featuring a modern passenger terminal, cargo terminal, and an ATC building.
Additionally, flights from Hisar to Ayodhya commenced on the same day.
Speaking at a rally in Hisar, PM Modi lauded the people of Haryana for their spirit, sportsmanship, and brotherhood. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for their support during the busy harvest season.
He paid homage to Guru Jambheshwar, Maharaja Agrasen, and the Agroha Dham, and reflected on his own memories of working in Haryana before becoming Prime Minister.
The visit also marked Ambedkar Jayanti, and PM Modi highlighted that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideals have guided the government’s efforts over the past 11 years. He emphasized that all policies and initiatives are aimed at uplifting marginalized sections of society — including the poor, tribal communities, women, and the underprivileged.
“Continuous and rapid development has been the mantra of our government to achieve these goals,” he stated.