As India celebrates her 75th year of independence, a team of four spiritual travelers decide to spread the message of freedom with their brothers and sisters across borders. Inspired by the thought of 'Vasudeiva Kutumbakam' or the 'world is one family', they've set out for a journey by car through 12 countries to experience Oneness with the world. Jayakumar Dinamani, the man behind the wheel has travelled over 12 lakh kilometers to his credit, and is a living medical miracle for doctors. During the pandemic, he single-handedly drove 30,000kms – a distance equivalent to three quarters of earth's circumference in 107days. Starting

with Nepal, they will experience Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. And they are now here, in Kathmandu. As rare as one might come across, we have a doer who does what he says!

What inspired you to take up such a journey?

Indian Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modiji's organization of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, has left a mark in me, and I felt even regular people like us can always do something.

What is the purpose of this journey? What are you trying to tell the world with this?

What we enjoy right now, this freedom, is owed to countless lives laid down for it. We now have freedom yes, but we aren't happy in our lives. I wish to inspire the youth to find contentment and peace in life.

Tell us your story?

I died of heart failure in 2019 at a hospital in Cochin, in front of a doctor. Few minutes later, I came back to life. I haven't looked back since. Death would find us all, it's a reality. Most people live their life in fear running away from death, then there are some who fearless welcome death when the time comes. This knowing makes a whole difference to the quality of life.

I live with a CRT-D implant for my heart, even with which my heart only pumps 17%. That's even half of the minimum requirement of a heart failure patient. My right hand has only 40% mobility. Diabetes left me with neuropathy on the legs and I had a tear in my Achilles tendon last year. Physically, I am as flawed as I can be. But mentally, I am as strong as I can be. I am well aware of the unimaginable possibilities our human bodies are capable of.

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They are no ordinary tourists in motion. It is an inner journey, or deshadan to experience differences in terrain, culture, food, climate, rituals and feels all of it the same. In Nepal, it was Banbassa border they chose to enter to soak in all the village customs, wildlife paths over the city roads. We can all agree that cities across the world offers more or less the expected.

What can you tell us more about this journey of freedom and oneness?

The idea of freedom is not just external, it is of intrinsic value too. The freedom to enjoy life from stress, is one. In Delhi, we had spent considerable time at an organization found by

freedom fighter, Lala Lajpat Rai called Servants of the People's Society (SOPS). Hundred years later, it is still making differences in the lives of people. Mr. Satya Paulji, the president and life member of SOPS, still tirelessly works at the age of eighty-nine was the key to opening our doors to Nepal. There are many silent workers of society who live amongst us.

We talk of universal brotherhood, but hold grudge against an annoying neighbor. The more we travel, differences cease to exist. We feel home everywhere, relish food in every culture, and make lasting bonds even without language.

How did you find Nepal this time?

Nepal is a spiritually powerful, divine space that grows on us! We've always loved Nepalese people, culture and cuisine. The people here are so polite, we hardly come across a frowning Nepali. We drive in a Citroen C5, and when we came to Kathmandu for its service, we were welcomed in and treated just like family! This warmth of people always beckons us back!

Our visit to Nepal this time, was even more special. Our soul friend Shiva Sapkota (who scaled Everest twice & Gen. Sec, of Everest Summiteer Association) made our long-time dream come true – to visit a cave of the 11th century Tibetan yogi, Milarepa. All these experiences go into writing of our book, Mahavadhutam that explores the lives of Avadhutas, a unique class of saints like Milarepa.

Jayakumar Dinamani, his disciple Lakshmidhuta and her mother Dr.Ajitha C.S has been travelling together for almost a decade to gather experiences for their spiritual book on Gurus. Following the guidance of Guru Shri. Sudheer Vaidyar of Agastyashram (Kerala), they started this journey mid-April from Sree Swamy Vaidya Gurukulam, a healing ashram renowned for treatment of knee related issues through traditional ayurveda and marma, without surgery. A retired senior officer from Irrigation department, Mr. Sajikumar T.P had also joined them as part of their yatra this time. The team of four offers immense gratitude to Nepal, it's government and its people whom they see as their own kin.