This Gandhi accepts GPay: Meet Marina Beach’s living Mahatma
The Marina Beach in Chennai comes alive on weekends. Even as the smells of sundal and bajji waft through the air, eager children pester parents
The Marina Beach in Chennai comes alive on weekends. Even as the smells of sundal and bajji waft through the air, eager children pester parents so they can ride a horse, or shoot balloons. Others prefer to silently gaze at the sea or the statues. Not too far from the landmark Gandhi Statue at this beach stands another statue - except this one moves occasionally. Meet Nehemia Koche, who is now 68. He is a regular these days to the beach during weekend evenings, but he cannot afford to indulge in bajjis or games. That is because Nehemia Koche is Gandhi. Using silver body paint, which he applies for about half hour, Nehemia arrives at the Marina Beach every weekend and stands. He is mostly as still as a statue, but he does occasionally stretch his legs or salute the curious passers-by.
“People have forgotten Gandhiji. This is my way of reminding them about the father of the nation,” he says, taking a stroll after a tiring few hours of standing. In that time, this street artiste has earned around 600 rupees. “It [the money I earn] depends on the number of people who visit the beach,” says Nehemia, who usually stands at the beach opposite the Public Works Department building, “Children love me and are usually excited to take pictures. Sometimes, they even want to touch me to see if I am real!” The adults, however, are more sober. “While some just shake hands with me and go away, some are interested in selfies. A few of them donate some money in the box that I keep. Sometimes, they give me food too.” Interestingly, Nehemia also has a QR code attached to his trousers, keeping with today’s times of digital transactions.
“I have to find new ways of making ends meet. Back home, I have a 27-year-old daughter who wishes to start earning before she gets married. I am saving up for her future.” Play it up Hailing from China Munagala village in Khammam district (Telangana), this street artiste has been performing and dressing up as the Mahatma for many years now. “Right from childhood, I have been interested in street theatre and plays. Whenever there was a festive occasion in our village, I would dress up as a character and attend the celebrations. I have also dressed up as lord Ram during temple festivities. Dressing up as a famous character has been a habit for me, especially during Sankaranthi and Ugadi,” he adds. Over time, this act also started fetching him money, food and shelter.
“I have travelled widely across India to popular tourist spots, especially the beaches of Mumbai and Vishakakapatnam. The Marina Beach at Madras is one of my favourite places to come to — because people here are friendly. Even the policemen treat me with respect; they sometimes give me food packets.” Apart from beaches, he has also visited educational institutions in Warangal and Vishakapatnam dressed as Gandhi. On August 15 this year, even as India celebrates its Independence Day, Nehemia will be back at his regular haunt on Marina Beach. As the beach comes alive with Independence Day celebrations, Gandhi will take a stroll.
The BriefWire