The 45-day Mahakumbh has significantly transformed the lives of many boatmen families. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared in the assembly the success story of a boatman family. During the event, they managed to save a pure profit of Rs 30 crore (approximately $3.6 million). This means one boat earned about Rs 23 lakh (approximately $28,000) in 45 days. Aaj Tak spoke with Pintu Mahara from this notable family in Prayagraj.
Pintu Mahara explains, our family comprises over 100 members, all of whom worked diligently. This achievement is nothing short of a divine blessing for us. We are deeply grateful to Yogi Ji and Modi Ji, whose efforts made this grand event possible and directed special attention toward us boatmen. The amount we earned was unprecedented in our lives. We own 70 boats, and nearly every family possessed 10-20 boats. Everyone prospered economically, strengthening the financial situation of boatmen across Prayagraj. The enormity of our earnings was beyond our wildest imagination.
The Incredible Rewards of Hard Work
Pintu recounts how the boatmen had to labor day and night for the pilgrims' holy bath at the confluence during Mahakumbh. For 45 days, they'd rise at 4 AM and start ferrying the faithful by 5 AM, ensuring everyone a chance to take the sacred dip. Witnessing this year's immense gathering and deep faith felt like a returning of the Treta Yuga.
Transformation of Allahabad into a 'Mega Metropolitan'
Pintu remarks, Mahakumbh has completely reshaped the face of Prayagraj. What was once merely a metropolis has now evolved into a 'mega metropolitan' city. There have been tremendous improvements in roads, ghats, and infrastructure. Earlier, boatmen were often overlooked, but now, from the police administration to the government, everyone supported our endeavors.
Prosperity Through Villages
Pintu's mother shares that Mahakumbh has economically empowered the entire community. Not only in Prayagraj, but also in Manda, Banaras, Mirzapur, Joshi Lawan, and Daraganj, every boatman family experienced newfound prosperity. They had never witnessed sums of lakhs before, but that's changed now. Our children and families are happy and poverty has been eradicated.
Gratitude Towards Yogi's Government
Pintu expresses his gratitude, saying it's the first time such a grand opportunity prevailed. We owe our prosperity to Yogi Ji, whose administration provided full support, offering us a life-transforming experience.
