Sep 2019 Cauvery Calling Special Edition

Know Why Cauvery Calling 16 Reasons Why People are is the largest charity 4 Donating for Cauvery Calling crowdfunding campaign on the planet

Connect with Sadhguru Bonding with a Mystic Biker from the eyes of Rohit who 9 shadowed him for 15 days during Cauvery Calling

Mysteries that Two short incidents about something extraordinary that 16 Our Mytic Weaves happened around Sadhguru

Here you will find some of the most fascinating aspects of the What Happens When Grace and Cauvery Calling campaign - A 17 Human Efforts Converge vivid account of heartwarming scenes from the 15 days of riding behind Sadhguru

A candid sharing from Sandeep Narayan, the singer of the Tamil 39 Catching the BUG! version of Cauvery Thayi, who knows Sadhguru as his father-in law and much more!

2 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 No pen or camera can ever capture those historical 15 days of the Cauvery Calling campaign that culminated into the largest charity crowdfunding campaign in the world. If you were captivated by the tweets, videos, Facebook and Instagram posts, and live blog during the campaign, you would not want to miss reading the chitchat of those who traveled with Sadhguru sharing their intimate moments with him - on the road, in meetings, as a leader, as a motorcyclist, as a celebrity, and as a Mystic. Lastly, we have a bit from someone who you could not imagine would share his impressions of these two weeks with us… but all in Whispers.

Dive into this largest edition of Isha Whispers… as a tribute to Cauvery Calling. A Must Read! Why People are Donating for Cauvery Calling 16 Reasons Why People are Donating for Cauvery Calling – The Largest Crowdfunding Charity Drive in the World

Since September 3, It must be pointed nearly 5 crore trees out here that much Cauvery Calling, on have been paid for larger crowdfunding through contributions by campaigns have the other hand, is an politicians, celebrities, succeeded in the opportunity to expand rich people, poor past, but most of people, and even these were supporting the borders of human- children, making it the video gaming or other largest charity funding lifestyle technology ity within us. So, let campaign in the shortest innovations. A recent us make it happen and possible time, in the campaign towards the history of humankind construction of the set an example of the – yet it is not even 5% wall at the Mexico– of what is needed to United States border, miracle Human Hearts transform the lives of raised over $9 million millions of farmers and in under 3 days. can create! save the Cauvery river.

5 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 Here are some top was estimated in the range of “Farmer Suicide Count ₹20,000-160,000 crores. A year Is Higher Than Fatalities reasons why people later in the summer of 2017, In Four Wars” that India Tamil Nadu faced a drought – are donating for the the worst in 140 years. has fought since its cause: Independence. The reason for cyclical floods #1. There is no risk and droughts is the loss of Cauvery Calling will enable of donations being vegetation in the Cauvery farmers to plant 242 crore trees basin. The trees in the river's in the Cauvery basin to help mishandled. catchment area slow down increase their income 300- the river runoff and help soil 800% in the next 5-7 years. There is a separate board and absorb rainwater and recharge an independent auditing entity groundwater aquifers. Some #5. We MUST preserve our for handling the Cauvery Calling of this water is slowly released magical soil for the next funds. Isha Foundation will not into rivers over the course of be involved in this at all. The the year. This prevents floods generation: board members are among the and water scarcity during the most prominent people in the dry season besides helping to “Killing soil is like country. revitalize the rivers. killing the nation,” said #2. This is the only #4. Should we just sit back Sadhguru. movement that is looking and watch our farmers What is really fascinating about at revitalizing a river rather die? India’s soil – though we don’t than extracting from it know the reason behind it - is like concepts of river About 70% of the Indian that one cubic meter of rich soil villagers work on farms. In will have around 10,000 species interlinking rivers, check traditional agricultural models, of organisms – the highest dams, etc. the farmer often falls into a debt concentration of life on this cycle. For example, a farmer planet. Cauvery river basin has might take out a loan to buy depleted over 40% in the last pesticides, fertilizer and seeds, Vegetation will save this unique 50 years with 87% loss in but the monsoon may not quality of our soil. When 242 vegetation in the basin area. By come, and a drought or a flood crore trees grow in the Cauvery planting 242 crore trees in its may destroy his crop. Then, he basin, the soil will be under basin, the river will flow again in has no food to feed himself and shade and the organic matter her full glory. no money to repay the loan. from the trees in the form of Sometimes, even if he gets a fallen leaves, stems, bark, #3. We want to say good yield, the farmer can suffer flowers, etc. will increase the goodbye to droughts and because of a glut on the market soil’s ability to retain moisture floods: that will drive down the price. thus improving fertility and translating into better crop Tamil Nadu suffered some of its No wonder nearly 300,000 yields. worst floods in December 2015. farmers have committed More than five hundred people suicide in the last twenty lost their lives, and the damage years. As Sadhguru says,

6 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #6. The agroforestry #8. This is not an Though leaders of different Ecological-economic experiment: Isha has a political parties came on stage for different events to speak for model is very easy to lot of experience working Cauvery Calling, the first event understand with farmers and helping in Tamil Nadu at Hosur set a them move to agroforestry. historical precedence when we Under this initiative farmers will saw top local representatives be given saplings of different Till date, nearly 70,000 farmers of BJP, Congress, AIADMK, timber trees. Timber is used have taken that step with Isha’s and DMK on the same stage in everywhere including for help. Isha has meticulously support of the initiative. firewood, furniture, scaffoldings, developed, over the last fifteen pulp, paper, floorings, cabins, years, a network of farmers #10. For the first time musical instruments, sports thriving on agroforestry. Some the representatives of equipment, etc. Nearly 25% of these farms are designated International Organizations of the over ₹70,000 crores as model farms, with mature worth of wood used in India is agroforestry working models like UNDCC are looking at imported, while India’s timber that are a source of inspiration India for solutions: exports value at just a tenth of to new farmers. For example: that. This leaves a large market Isha volunteers have helped On September 9, in Delhi, to be tapped in timber both Senthil Kumar set up and run around 196 countries and 94 nationally and internationally. his farms. Isha has 33 nurseries Environment Ministers took part With the rise in living standards where organic saplings without in the UNCCD COP 14 event or in India, the need for wood is any nematoid deposits are the fourteenth meeting of the only growing. raised. Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention #7. Many farmers are #9. This is one project to Combat Desertification. already profiting from that is supported by Sadhguru was invited to attend the event in recognition of his agroforestry political parties across the valuable work in preventing spectrum: desertification through the Senthil Kumar, a farmer from revitalization of rivers and Gobichettipalayam in Tamil The Central Government has increasing green cover by way Nadu is one such agroforestry adopted the Rally for Rivers of Rally for Rivers and Cauvery pioneer. “I have planted policy recommendations, Calling. Malabar Kino on the periphery and now both the state of my farm. When I need some governments are giving Sadhguru met many national money, I cut down 10 of them full support to this project, and global change makers and to get ₹50,000,” he explains. “I including financial support by enviornmental stalwarts, all of need not run after the bankers providing incentives to farmers whom not only supported the or take a loan hoping for a to shift to agroforestry. The CM campaign, but also shared that government waiver. In the long of Karnataka has donated 2 they would want to emulate run, say 30 years from now, crore saplings for the project. this model in other countries as for my grandson's education, O. P. Raveendranath Kumar, well. for example, I could sell ten MP of the Theni constituency in red sandalwood trees to get Tamil has promised to donate 1 #11. Because I drink water, ₹300,000.” crore saplings over one year. I must plant trees

7 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 By 2020, groundwater in 21 13. When the Chinese, the Sadhguru explained the cities will touch zero level, Americans, Europeans, Africans, economic impact of Cauvery including Bangalore and Calling in the Chennai Chennai. By planting trees, and other Asians are planting event saying, “If one third the monsoon water will be trees for Cauvery, how can I of the land comes under held back in the soil, and not? agroforestry, by the eighth groundwater levels will go year, the government will up. The top five countries, other than get ₹29,000 crores as GST. the US, Europe, and the UK, where So, this will be of benefit #12. When I can spend donors are are coming from are to the government and the money on coffee, China, South Africa, Singapore, farmers.” 10,000 farmers cigarette, alcohol, Behrain, and Malaysia. will be trained to create nurseries, grow organic expensive dinners and #14. It will set an example saplings, and make this into clothes…, why am I shy for the revitalization of other a business. It will be a big about spending money on tropical rivers. boon for rural women too. planting trees. #15. I can be part of rescuing #16. In the future when All of which are nothing millions of people from poverty. I see the Cauvery river, I but products that require a can proudly say, “I was substantial amount of water The Cauvery Calling project will a part of this movement and plants, so should we transform the lives of 83 million that saved this glorious not at least replenish the farmers if they adopt agroforestry. damage in some way? and sacred river.”

Bonus Reasons... in Whispers! 1. Because Sadhguru loves Cauvery, I love Cauvery too! 2. Because I love Sadhguru! 8 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 Bonding with a Mystic Biker When my sense of Sadhguru’s father time and space just wanted to ride with disappeared… him… (A sharing by Rohit, an ashramite) So, at 4 am, 4 of us, as a part of the video department, On the one hand, it feels left for Mysore and the like those 15 days of start of the Cauvery Calling Cauvery Calling happened campaign. We reached in 15 seconds, and on his house in Mysore. After watching him leave. She then spending a little time with his the other, if I visualize the jumped on Balaji anna’s bike father, Sadhguru was getting first day of the campaign, as pillion. A little while later we ready to leave, when his found Sadhguru waiting for us. it feels like it was from father said, “I want to go with “I thought you were going to ride another lifetime – so far you for this rally.” Sadhguru with me,” he said to Radhe as away! Both are true in my lovingly laughed, revved up soon as Balaji’s bike caught up perception – I don’t know his bike and took off. with his. “You just left, what could how to explain it. I do!” Radhe replied quizzically. As he left, Radhe, who was “What else to do when your father “Rohit, we are leaving supposed to ride pillion with wants to ride with you!” he said tomorrow for Mysore, him, stood there perplexed with his generous belly-laugh. have you packed? ”I received a call from Karthik from the video department at 11:30 in the night.

“Yes, I know we are leaving tomorrow as we had planned,” I said wondering about the reason for the urgency in his voice. “No, we are leaving really early in the morning. Sadhguru will start riding from Mysore airport itself, and we need to shoot his ride all the way from there to Bhagamandala,” he said. I took this in. “Oh! Ok!”

10 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 “We are bikers! This is how we are!” Sadhguru replied, his expression conveying his joy at the uproar… and of course my appeal was ignored.

He is so youthful and wild even at this age that many youngsters like me can’t even imagine matching his vigorous sense of abandon.

A Rider to the CORE way to his tent, on the far On a Ride with the Master side of the site. But Sadhguru insisted on riding his bike up As we rode on, seeing Following the first ride from to its parking space near his Sadhguru biking so feverishly Mysore Bhagamandala, there tent – and he did. Sadhguru yet at ease was a sight to were 15 days of non-stop really took that Honda VFR behold. The rain was coming frantic activity and unparalleled Superbike to its limit and down hard, the lighting along excitement. The first night after beyond. the road was poor, but there we left the ashram, I slept at 1 was Sadhguru, swerving am in a tent – totally exhausted. It was a delight to see how through the mountain curves “How will I manage the next 15 much a biker he is at heart. with the ease of a biker pro. days,” I remember thinking as I drifted off to sleep. On the way from Talacauvery After a golf game on a rained to Madikeri, Sadhguru out, slushy golf course, at 6 That was the last moment of stopped for a roadside pm, Sadhguru reached the exhaustion I felt in those 15 break. I rushed up to him Bhagamandala site (which was days. I woke up at 5 am and to ask him for a video byte. also full of slush!). Sadhguru’s was ON. Though the schedule He started to speak to the bike weighed around 350 remained hectic throughout, I camera with his helmet on, kg, and it didn’t have a didn’t feel an ounce of tiredness bikes roaring merrily around clutch – it was not meant for after the first night. After we him. Sheepishly pointing to off-road riding. Some of us entered Tamil Nadu, we had the noise and to his helmet, felt concerned about how around 3 to 4 formal events I mentioned that it would not Sadhguru would ride it all the make for a good video.

11 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 Some of Sadhguru’s Riding Moments

12 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 in a day. “Which city are we in now?” I would ask in bewilderment as we crossed hundreds of towns in a day through the rain or scorching heat. The amount of activity and what all I did, I never knew just how I did it. I had traveled for Rally for Rivers with the video team too, but there we were traversing from one state to another and we found the time and space to organize ourselves. During this campaign I felt my activity was 4 to 5 times more frenzied.

But I was in bliss riding on his Grace throughout. Being with Sadhguru in such proximity way he was covering what he The Master notices left me in such an awe of was scribbling from the drizzle everything him that I cannot explain. I was very touching. Handing over the note to us, he asked wonder if I will ever meet a After the Chamundi satsang, us to let all the ashramites see person (if we can call him the entire convoy headed to it immediately, and to ensure one) with this level of energy, Mysore for another event. After that it wouldn’t get wet, so compassion, attention to a kilometer of riding, some 3 that all could read the note in details, so rushed and yet to 4 bikes along with Sadhguru his handwriting. I feel he could so chill. Here I share some had to detour to shoot a have given a video byte, but he special moments with him: short conversation between wanted to convey his message Sadhguru and Cricketer Veda in the most intimate way he A love note for the Krishnamurthy. Sadhguru could at that time. ashramites! stopped and personally guided the rest of the bikers to go It happened on the way from Mysore to the Bhagamandala campsite. It was drizzling and there was something feverish about the way Sadhguru was riding. Suddenly, he stopped and asked for a pen and something to write on – as if he had forgotten to convey something important to someone! He wrote a note for the ashramites. The

13 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 straight and waited for them to pass before he took the left turn for the shoot.

So, I was sitting pillion on a bike which was about 5 to 10 bikes away from Sadhguru’s bike. Since our bike was also supposed to follow Sadhguru, we were also waiting.

“Sadhguru is calling you,” suddenly I heard Swami Naksatra saying.

“Must be for a video byte,” I said and rushed to him with the camera ready.

I put my face really close to Sadhguru to ask what he wanted since bikers were passing by really fast. He knocked on top of my helmet and said, “Are you waiting for something to happen before you wear your helmet properly?” see him online, but because “Connecting in 3, 2, 1,” of some technical glitch, and somehow we got “But I am wearing it properly, Shikhar couldn’t accept connected. Sadhguru,” I said, perplexed. our request to go live, so he couldn’t see us. For Silently I gave the phone “Buckle it,” he told me. almost 5-6 minutes we tried to Sadhguru and stepped but it wouldn’t work. In the aside. He carried on with In my hurry to follow him, I had meantime, Sadhguru had the conversation. I have somehow put on my shoes and helmet, finished his conversation and no idea how it suddenly but I had forgotten to buckle it. I don’t had started to move away. got fixed since we had know how he had noticed it from 30 Then he realized we were tried everything possible. meters away with so many bikes in there so he started to walk between. So, Swami held the camera back towards us. while I buckled my helmet right in front of Sadhguru. I almost had tears in my Maa Kanka went up to him eyes. and said, “Sadhguru, we are not able to connect live with A miraculous connect him.”

In Chennai, before we left for Salem, So, he walked towards me we got an opportunity to have Shikhar and asked, “What is the Dhawan go live on Instagram with situation, Rohit?” Sadhguru. Sadhguru agreed to it. We were in the lawn trying to connect with I just looked at him, and Shikhar while Sadhguru was conversing then I looked at the phone with someone on the side. We could which was displaying…

14 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 How He soaks in nature is The way Sadhguru At the end of a long day, the so fascinating gave himself was truly riders would go to a hotel heartbreaking to rest and refresh while When we reached the KRS dam, Sadhguru stayed at the from Sadhguru’s tent the view campsite in harsh locations, Sometimes, Sadhguru would with ten different things to do of Cauvery was gorgeous. In the take off his helmet and morning when we entered his – a satsang or conversation, hand it over to me. I found, mingling with the participants, tent site, we found him standing, especially in Tamil Nadu, just looking at the river. Swami dealing with pending phone that it was soaking wet with calls, approvals, meetings Vidhyavasanta asked him if we sweat. When he would take could take some drone shots. with the organising teams – off his jacket, his T-shirt was so many things. “You can do whatever, Swami,” often wet up to his navel. But he said and went to the edge of he kept going that way from the river bank. Ignoring us, he It is hard to describe how one event to another. Even hectic his schedule was, but soaked in the river – I have not if there was one person on seen anybody look at an object we never saw him devoid of the road with the Cauvery his sense of humor, wit, and of nature with such involvement. Calling placard, he would He wasn’t posing for shots – he attention to details. We were slow down and wave to that showing him so many videos, was simply doing his thing, and person. We wouldn’t even we ours. every time he would stop for have noticed, but he made a while. He could notice the sure that he acknowledged slightest editing error and The same night when we reached each person who stood on point it out. Shivanasamudram, we could the road waiting to meet him hear the roaring crash of the in support of Cauvery Calling. ----- waterfalls. Sadhguru came out of his tent and just walked past all the participants towards the sound. In almost pitch darkness, he stood looking out at the edge of the hill, from where we could see a silver screen of mist from the waterfalls. He asked me for a torch and moved it here and there to catch some glimpses of the fall.

As soon as it became bright enough in the morning, Sadhguru came out to have a closer look at the waterfalls wearing simple white pajamas and his RFR T-shirt. He stood there for at least 30 minutes just looking at the falls. He later shared that he was visiting this place after 27 years.

15 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 The mysteries that our Mystic weaves! Pavan, who was overwhelmed with yet another one of our Mystic’s antics, shared with us this experience:

On reaching Unduvadi, actress Pranitha Subhash was supposed to have a conversation with Sadhguru the The unbreakable bond go and have a look at the next morning. Things went as (A sharing by Maa Nirmuta) phone only after the entire per the schedule and after the convoy had passed over it. conversation, when Maa Kanka I was riding pillion with I was surprised that nothing asked Pranitha if she would like Sudar, a gutsy biker from had happened to the phone. to hop on for a ride, she just Tamil Nadu. Sudar is a very The phone has just a plastic said “yes” without hesitation. fast and fearless rider, and cover as protection, and I After begging for a riding a very caring person. Just was told by a phone expert jacket from Swami Medinaja before we were leaving that my phone was prone to and borrowing Maa Nirmuta’s Thanjavur hotel, she got breaking easily since it had helmet, Pranitha was geared for me a selfie stick to use so round edges. the ride as she jumped behind I could take photos and Ramya akka and rode pillion, videos of the convoy with Till today I wonder how which she thoroughly enjoyed. ease. Other riders advised it happened. It was an When we caught Pranitha to me against using it as they expensive phone with a share her experience on the felt it might be unsafe to good camera. The phone ride she said, “I didn't know I carry a phone on this stick expert confirmed that it would join a rally all of a sudden, while riding. Since Sudar was the first time in his but somehow the jacket and was very keen that I used many years of experience helmet appeared and the ride the stick, I went with it. After repairing phones that he had happened!” riding a kilometer or two, come across this kind of a my phone fell off the stick situation. Later in the evening when from a speeding bike, in the we were all sitting together middle of a gravel road. Had it broken in the middle discussing this event, Ramya of the journey, my work akka, the rider who drove I stopped Sudar. But since would have come to a stop. Pranitha, mentioned that we were just the third bike I feel Sadhguru saw my Sadhguru had said to her on the from Sadhguru, all the other phone falling and it was His previous day, that she'd have a bikes and cars ran over it eyes that protected it. pillion rider in the morning! at high speed. So, I could

16 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 What happens when Grace and human efforts converge It was August 23, just nine them were qualified for the details of a task with the days before the start of the job. They were all home-grown utmost involvement like campaign. This was the fifth leaders and were made incharge time Sadhguru was meeting of crucial aspects of this his life depended on it, the full group since our first campaign that had to run for 15 on the other, he could meeting on the Cauvery days, covering over 3,000 km, suddenly disorient you out on June 22. Since that first through hundreds of towns and of it. meeting, Sadhguru has been cities with at least 4 to 5 events full-on behind this campaign. every day. Like it happened in this meeting Even during his time in Kailash, – in the middle of the meeting and later on with an event- Two: It was nine days before he started to pay attention to packed visit to Australia, he had the journey, and important items the loud sound of the air outside always made himself available on the itinerary were still being and talked about it for a while. to the Cauvery Calling team. discussed. Should we have The last meeting we had was a press meet in every town? Then at one time, he pointed on July 30, the morning after Should the farmers be invited at people outside the window Sadhguru arrived jet-lagged for every event? How much time who seemed to be floating up from Australia. That meeting, would Sadhguru have to interact (they were on the roof, and we originally scheduled for only with celebrities if they were to couldn’t see their legs from the two hours, went on late into the be invited? How many should hall), and told a story on how night. we invite? How do we integrate such simple things can create PayTM so we can still offer 80 G hallucinations. It was Krishna Today by about 1 pm, we had benefits to the donors? Jayanti, and we could hear all gathered in the Nalanda ashramites celebrating it with Conference Hall. I was there What I mean is, these some traditional games outside. primarily as an observer. As we are very fundamental “I should actually be sat for the meeting with him, questions, and the answers coordinators of different aspects there, why am I here?” he to each of them would of the campaign started to give wondered aloud. Then he him updates. He was listening require a flurry of activity started to hum something, keenly to each one of them, in different towns. putting their challenges up for and at some point, he discussion within the group – For example, if there is a press started tapping his hands on the face of it, it was like a meet in every town, the time to some rhythm within him. top management meeting in a and venue need to be decided, corporate setting – but there the press needs to be informed, And, after a while, he just was a difference. arrangements for their travel changed the dynamics of and stay in 15 different towns the campaign by bringing Actually, there were four have to be organized, audio- in a new requirement. differences… video needs to be set up... While it was being discussed Three: The leader of the One: Most of the area how many media interviews or coordinators had never before meeting – Sadhguru. celebrity interactions or events done what they had taken up While on the one hand, he could be arranged, he said he to do – not of this scale. And would discuss the smallest was willing to talk even while except for a couple, none of riding if it was technologically

18 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 possible. “Plan for my every farmers don’t earn even direction was set. But when single minute to be used to this much,” he made us he left which was about 6 pm, reach out – meaning some everyone was highly charged event or interactions for 18 to see. “Why should the up, and willing to give their life 20 hours a day,” he said as a farmers be so poor, tell to save Cauvery. They were matter of fact. My heart broke me,” he passionately all on the job right after, and hearing it. Tears welled up in my questioned us. “Do you I wonder if any of them slept eyes. much that night or any of the realize the suffering of following nights. a person who commits Sadhguru ensured Four: Leaving us behind in that state that we were all well connected suicide?” he asked us in of frenzy, Sadhguru left Nalanda to the cause and that our hearts the tone of a Realized One. Hall and joyfully rode his were bleeding for Cauvery and “I am telling you no one motorbike into the playground, the farmers. In between the would want to send their only to be mobbed by the technical discussions, he would celebrating volunteers. remind us why our work was so children into agriculture if important for humanity today. we don’t make agriculture “Thousands of people will die a lucrative activity. Where Looking at the scope and if two more monsoons fail,” he will the food come from scale of the project and said then?” the unpreparedness of everybody in comparison, I “How much does a clerk clearly remember thinking earn?” he asked at one The entire meeting was so organic, though we tried our to myself, “If this rally time. We gave a number. best to give it a structure. happens smoothly, it will Despite such intense “Do you realize that except be nothing short of a for a few handfuls, most discussion, there were no decisions taken - only the miracle!”

19 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 And the miracle happened… ! Here are some of the most fantastic aspects of Cauvery Calling for you:

#1: 865 events were conducted in 15 days without a second's delay and with the precision of an army drill. For all the major events, renowned local folk artists performed alongside Sounds of Isha. At least 5 to 10 dignitaries of the highest office in the area – politicians from different parties, farmer leaders, youth representatives, etc. were present. Chairs were neatly lined up and all the attendees had the Cauvery Calling placard. All the halls were filled to the brim, with people sitting on the floor using every inch of the space available in the hall. Not once was there any rough behavior or any sort of tension noticed at any of the venues.

21 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 of while riding? Do you get pathway, holding lamps in their into a zone while riding?” - to hands chanting the Nadi Stuti, which Sadhguru wittily replied, Bharatam Maha Bharatam. #2: A bevy of 25 riders “I anyway don't think anything; rode over 3000 km at the I am always in a zone and never Sadhguru roared to a halt in the highest speed possible come out of it.” middle of the pathway with the thunderous bikers close behind through highways, The riders bubbling with him. As Sadhguru simply sat in slippery and narrow unbridled excitement poured silence on his bike for a while in lanes, broken roads, mud, out their experiences of riding front of Adiyogi, several bikers with Sadhguru. One young got off their bikes, and in their and slush; yet not even rider, Kumaraguru Kannan let full biker gear - helmet, gloves, one untoward incident out the secret that this was and all - they prostrated fully happened... the first time he was riding on in the middle of the pathway roads! He has participated in before Adiyogi, a beautiful many national championships, surrender at the culmination but his parents allow him to of their victorious yatra for These riders included professional practice only on tracks. “Since Cauvery. bikers, a Big BOSS winner, Actor my parents knew I will be safe Rakshit Shetty, Actor Diganth, a with Sadhguru, they allowed me Once Sadhguru cruised to the helicopter pilot, artists, business to ride all the way,” he shared. Welcome Point with the riders professionals, singers, designers following him, the moment of - people of a varied social and The way Sadhguru bonded with parting had come. Sadhguru economic background. “This was the riders was heartwarming. stopped and got off his bike the most difficult ride of my life, He held them as his comrades to say goodbye to them. and I enjoyed every second of it,” at times, and at other times as They all surrounded him with shared Diganth, a heartthrob of his sons and daughters. He gleeful cries of joy and love. many in Karnataka. checked their bikes, gave his He chatted with them, inspiring inputs. They would also discuss them to carry the cause An avid motorcyclist, Sadhguru how to tune Sadhguru’s bike so forward. Here, Kumaraguru sat with all of the bikers in he is more comfortable. Many Kannan requested Sadhguru Nagarhole for an entire morning times, Sadhguru stopped on to sign his helmet and bless despite his killing schedule. “Many the roadside to give them a him in his motorcycling journey. motorcyclists have ridden for a break, asked them to hydrate, "Victory Lap, Blessing, Sep 17, cause and this cause is one of and treated them with coconut 2019," Sadhguru lovingly wrote the highest that one could pitch water. Once he bought off the with a felt pen. Since it was for,” Sadhguru began the new day entire cart of super delicious a smooth surface the writing reminding the riders about their Mysore guavas for all to devour. looked a bit faded, so Sadhguru important mission. Then he took Another time he stopped at a carefully retraced the lines a them on a trip down memory lane to small highway shop, and said couple of times with the pen to his youth where a large part of his “Eat anything you want, it is on make it clear. "I think it should life was spent on bikes. The master me,” and we all screamed in stay," he said while gently storyteller left everyone listening in joy. a trance - they all sat like nomads giving back the helmet to an overwhelmed Kannan. "Feel breezily passing their evening in a The most touching part at home here and spend some desert. was their parting. When the time in the ashram,” he invited motorcade reached Malaivasal When Sadhguru opened the floor in Isha Yoga Center near the riders as one would invite for questions, one question that midnight, ashramites, guests, close friends. stood out was, “What do you think and volunteers lined up on the

22 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 23 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #3: The local #4: The entire media of #5: Isha Impressions administration the two states lined up department produced 750+ provided three for time with Sadhguru. creatives in two months. vehicles for security Sadhguru had 200+ Isha’s Social Media recorded with 5 to 6 policemen media interactions. Many 400+ million impressions. in each van and an popular national media From September 1 to 18, a additional van with channels covered daily. live blog, live tweets and live 10 to12 officers from During the two weeks, instagram videos were posted the striking force. over 1300+ articles within every 15 minutes for were published online nearly 12 hours a day. Within These vans took on and in newspapers and a month of the launch, 25K the roles of “Advance people started crowdfunding Patrol” which cleared magazines; over 800+ the road, the “Pilot” TV interviews were also pages and nearly 5 crore which led the convoy, telecasted. saplings were donated for the and the “Escorts” which cause. escorted the convoy. Besides, they had a security plan for each campsite and hotel where the convoy halted for the night, depending upon the complexity and perceived threat at each location. The smoothness with which the police cars took over from each other was incredible. “It didn’t seem at all that we were on duty,” shared a few. Many were surprised that Sadhguru continued to ride through the rain. Each time there was a shift change, both the outgoing and incoming police heads would come to greet Sadhguru.

24 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 25 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 26 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #6:. A large number of celebrities came out in support of Cauvery Calling.

Renowned cine stars Srinidhi Shetty, Ragini Dwivedi, Yash, Haripriya, Pranitha Subhash, Nithya Menen, Vijay Raghavendra, and Anushree traveled with the motorcade and shot a one-on-one with Sadhguru. Actors Rakshit Shetty and Diganth Manchale rode alongside Sadhguru for two days. Karthik and Nithya Menen stayed with the convoy at the Mettur campsite. Super friendly Karthik enthralled everyone at the camp with his impromptu singing through the downpour. Shashi Kumar rode all 6 days in Karnataka. O P Raveendranath, MP, Theni Constituency, and R Sarathkumar, a Tamil actor and a politician, also rode along with the other riders for half a day. Also, a host of celebrities across the spectrum, from cricketers to film stars from business leaders to religious leaders, rose to support Cauvery Calling. Many donated or raised large amounts towards the planting of saplings.

27 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #7: Both the state governments came out in full support of this drive and extended incentives to the farmers to support their shift to agroforestry. The laws are being re-written to facilitate the shift to timber farming for the farmers.

Many MLAs and MPs including B. S. Yediyurappa, CM, Karnataka, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, CM, Tamil Nadu, Banwarilal Purohit, Governor, Tamil Nadu, O Panneerselvam, came on stage to show their support for Cauvery Calling.

#8 A group of 40 industrialists in Coimbatore led by M. Krishnan, the owner of the popular Sri Krishna Sweets retail chain, and Dr. S Rajasekaran, President, Ganga Hospital came forward to express their solidarity and love for Sadhguru by organizing a huge welcome for him on his return from the 2-week long Cauvery Calling motorcycle campaign.

“This is a special moment for Coimbatore when the “who’s who” and the elite of the city have come together to support this significant endeavor of Sadhguru. History has been made today,” said Dr. Rajasekaran when he addressed the gathering in the evening.

28 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #9: Our volunteers approached 2.7 lakh farmers in over 7,000 villages in a matter of just one month to educate farmers about agroforestry. Sadhguru visited a few farms and food product factories on the way. The president of the Farmer’s Association of Tamil Nadu joined the movement in Dharmapuri and passionately offered the support of all farmers. Many farmers attended the events and came forward to greet Sadhguru and express their gratitude.

29 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #10. About 200 people participated in the yatras and traveled with the convoy with an additional agenda weaved in.

Thanks to the participants of Considering the amount of work 3 hours to finish washing Chamundi Trail in Karnataka needed to set up a running all the vessels, and we and Southern Soujourn in kitchen and dining for 200 could go back to our tents Tamil Nadu, Cauvery Calling people – 3 meals a day for only after 1 am. Since that convoy not only tasted the over 10 days in harsh weather day, we started helping adventure and intensity of a conditions at various campsites, the dining team with the pilgrimage, but also enjoyed the team behind this phenomenal winding up at night and the gracious hospitality of the effort was unbelievably small went to sleep only well after yatra team volunteers. and yet, all of it happened so midnight. wonderfully. We never stayed in one These seven kitchen city for more than a night. Here are a few glimpses of the and dining volunteers Accordingly, a different stay dedication and commitment of traveled from campsite to was organized in different some of our yatra volunteers: campsite, reaching ahead cities each day including of the participants to set full-fledged campsites in 8 11:00 pm, KRS Dam: Vijay, up the kitchen before stunning locations. It rained Bhargav, and Kumaran anna every meal and cooked every night, and the locations were in the windup and setup three times a day. They left of two campsites had to team. Along with the sherpas, each campsite after the change one day in advance they relentlessly supported participants with the kitchen because of the last minute this nomad caravan to rest for material. Every day the three change of plans. the night. “It was the second meals happened in different night around 11 pm and we had locations.They would Three elaborate meals were just finished distributing the wind up the temporary provided to the entire convoy. luggage and were enjoying some kitchens after every meal Separate accommodations leftovers for dinner with some to safeguard against wild were arranged for the riders light chitchat and gossip. The animals. and the video editing team kitchen team hurried us a bit to in the city centers. At every finish dinner so they could finish Despite the meager facilities campsite, each morning a winding up. We joyfully went to available at the campsites, handful of yatra volunteers wash our hands and noticed they produced unimaginably and sherpas would take the that three dining volunteers, Maa delicious and nutritious tents down, load the luggage Chandrahasa, Bhoopathi anna, dishes on a massive scale and camping material, for and Kavita akka were washing and laid it out beautifully for nearly 200 people, onto buses, huge kitchen vessels. It looked the participants to enjoy. and unload and set up camp like it would take them the whole at some other campsite in the night. Instantly we joined in to Swami Lavana exclaims, night. help them. It took the six of us “It's just a crazy amount

30 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #11: The yatra participants came forward to support Cauvery Calling in myriad ways after watching the efforts of Sadhguru, the overwhelming response of the public, the farmers, and that of our volunteers towards the cause.

Usha Doshi, who donated USD 250,000 towards of work for the CC Akshaya This is the reason we Cauvery Calling, shared at (Kitchen) team! Two days celebrated each meal on our the end of the Chamundi ago, I caught a glimpse of live blogs. However delightful Yatra, “I am 73 years old, what they do when a few it was to our palate, there was but every time Sadhguru volunteers and I joined to a profound story behind it. sees me, he says ‘Oh! Here wash a never-ending pile of We express our gratitude for comes the 93-year-old.’ over-sized vessels for two the unwavering devotion of At other times he would hours due to the shortage of our volunteers. We bow down call me an 80-year-old. I hands. A really amazing job to the farmers, Mother Earth, am so confused about my by the entire team. Not sure and Cauvery for nurturing us. age! I am really humbled if they are even sleeping for 4 and privileged to be able hours per night!” to do this wild yatra. If I can do it, everyone can do it regardless of their age. To be able to actually witness the Cauvery Calling campaign and see Sadhguru as an embodiment of endless energy has been the highest blessing.”

Besides her, most of them have started their own crowdfunding pages and are encouraging their friends and families the world over to donate trees.

31 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 * “I have a target of raising *“Please don’t mention *Deepika has quietly sponsored funds for 24,200 saplings in my name, I have donated Cauvery Calling shout outs all one month. On the last day of 5 lakhs towards Cauvery over the US on Zee TV and Radio the month, I will plant whatever Calling, and will continue to Zindagi for the next six months – is remaining,” said another donate,” said another from and still wants to do more. participant gleefully. Kolkata. *Lalitha of the US has set a *“The proceeds from whatever *Super enthusiastic target of 11.111111 million project I have undertaken since Monica made a clarion trees, and she is getting people I have come back from the call to all volunteers in the to donate daily. She has been yatra, I would donate that for Netherlands and has started inspiring anyone and everyone Cauvery Calling,” said Raju from a number of crazy initiatives she meets to donate. Hyderabad. “This yatra has with them – we will hear changed my life, I feel empty from her next month. *Another participant from like Swami Nischala,” he added. Canada is hoping to convince her oil company to sponsor 1 million trees every year from their social responsibility fund.

The list is long… No one went untouched after traveling in such close proximity to Sadhguru…

32 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 33 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 #12. The Mystic of the Masses: How warmly and enthusiastically Sadhguru was received by the top dignitaries and the people who attended the events - you would have watched it on the live streams. But only those who traveled with Sadhguru really witnessed a phenomenon that is difficult to articulate. Many people who came out in support own traditional and A Carpet of of Cauvery Calling on the cute way. They would Flowers streets were not those offer pooja to him, his who would have read up bike, and the bikes of Once Sadhguru left about Sadhguru on social other riders. They threw the campsites and media... kumkum and turmeric reached the main water on the front of roads, every few these were simple his motorbike, offered kilometers the roads villagers and townpeople flowers, coconut, etc. would be lined on who came out to show to both Sadhguru and both sides by school their devotion for him and the bike. Sadhguru children, adults, and to express their gratitude would bend down, villagers holding to him for working gather them around Cauvery Calling towards saving Cauvery him and talk to them placards. river. so intimately about Cauvery. In some These roads were left places Sadhguru told At last someone is carpeted with flowers them to name their saving Cauvery… after Sadhguru had daughters “Cauvery”. passed by. Wherever we halted The sense of devotion for the night, local As we were and gratitude villagers got the whiff of approaching expressed by these Sadhguru’s arrival and Nagarhole, a sadhu humble folks and how gathered to see him off came forward with his Sadhguru mingled the next morning, wishing four disciples to greet with them was truly him all the best in their and bless Sadhguru. touching… What happened there

34 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 the adults standing with love, Tejas, around 14 to and the elderly having tears 15 years old, looked of devotion. The tsunami of determined to take a Sadhguru is unstoppable - video of Sadhguru. He nothing can cloud the shining was holding his phone rays of the clarity of a Mystic.” high, focusing on the lane, hoping Sadhguru Here is another volunteer would pass by him. I sharing her conversation asked him, “Why do you with a few people who were want to take his video? desperately waiting to see How do you know him?” Sadhguru after the Mandya He didn’t say anything. I event. was beautifully captured on video asked again. “Kannada,” he said one word. which is now on YouTube. But for us “As we were waiting for who were near him at that moment Comprehending his Sadhguru to come outside request, – it was surprisingly overwhelming. the venue after the event, I The first thing his disciples did was was intrigued to see many to hold an umbrella over Sadhguru. I asked Kirtika to repeat young girls and boys eagerly the question to him. “Why are you going in the rain waiting to get a glimpse of him. like this for us,” the sadhu asked “Cauvery Koogu!” was While sitting on my bike with his only reply. And Sadhguru. “Just thinking about how a helmet covering my face, I he begged Sadhguru to take rest, how did he hear about still managed to have a short Cauvery Koogu? have a coffee, and warm up a bit revealing conversation with a brings tears to my eyes even now,” few of them.” shared a rider. “In the newspaper from his rally in Mysuru,” he Three girls, Parineetha, said, his eyes still fixed at The Tsunami of Sadhguru Vishakha, and Varsha, who the venue entrance so he are all between 18 to 20 years wouldn’t miss Sadhguru A volunteer shared - of age have been following coming out. Sadhguru online for the last 5 “At every place, we arrive in, the to7 years. “We love Sadhguru,” Chinnappa and enthusiasm of the people seems Varsha said and inquired how to get higher and higher. The she could volunteer for Isha. Cauvery Calling entry into the Erode venue was a spectacle that no one on this ride While I was chatting will ever forget. Hundreds of school Cauvery Koogu with the youth, one very students, youth, and adults had old man was trying to lined up on both sides of the road Kirtika, on the other hand, make his way through for more than a kilometer. Shouts had only heard of Sadhguru the crowd to the front so of joy and love reverberated in the that morning, but she was he could see Sadhguru. entire space. It was an ordeal for desperately waiting to take his “What's your name?” He the volunteers to have Sadhguru photo. murmured something so enter the hall and be able to walk softly I couldn’t catch to his seat, but it was amazing I asked her, “Why this sudden it. But then the people to witness the thrill of the youth, interest?” and she said, “I really around him shouted his the children jumping in joy, and wanted to come and see this name: “Chinnappa!” great being who is going from 35 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 town to town to save our river.” He had two blue Cauvery Calling gentle praises on Sadhguru Rockets on the Road placards on the back of which he and vouching their support to had scribbled down what Sadhguru the campaign, what ensued At one place, the villagers spoke during the event. I asked him on the 20-km stretch to the kept a full box of rockets to please give it to me so we could Yoga Center was an entirely (firecrackers) in the middle post it online. He reluctantly showed different scene altogether. of the road and set fire to me but refused to give it. “No, no, The moment Sadhguru it. Sadhguru had to wait this is for me. I want to read it again,” entered Thondamuthur, the at least 50 meters away he said. expressions of love and for the crackers to finish devotion were like wildfire. exploding. But the night HE HAD WRITTEN SADHGURU’s In every village that convoy sky sparkled with the SPEECH ON THE BACK OF THE passed, hundreds of villagers bright and colorful lights of CAUVERY CALLING PLACARD. specially dressed for him, the firecrackers. holding sacred offerings, Unfortunately, our phones were were waiting to receive out of battery, so I couldn’t take a Sadhguru. The local youth photo. Soon we heard the roar of artists’ bands were pounding Sadhguru’s bike, and I knew I had their drums at such a feverish to go. I shouted out my number to rhythm and decibel level Kirtika and urged her to send me that it could be heard from Chinnappa’s photo with the placard. kilometers away.

All they wanted was to see him…

Men, women, children, and Offerings Beyond Their the elderly, all vigorously Means jostled with each other to touch Sadhguru. Hundreds of villagers brought offerings of freshly We noticed some old men and skillfully woven large and women wearing freshly malas of very high-quality ironed clothes using every Three days later I received the photo jasmine or roses, huge ounce of their strength to which was posted in the live blog bowls of traditional sweets, reach close to Sadhguru. also. water in copper vessels, Love Beyond Devotion colorful shawls, and other traditional items, just for his After catching a glimpse blessing. Finally, what happened during the of Sadhguru, they worked culminating ride back to the ashram their way back out of the is beyond comprehension for a city throng and sat exhausted on A rural child offered his person. the roadside but looked so piggy bank made of cheap joyful as if they had gotten plastic but full of his While in the quiet of the CODISSIA something that they had precious coins to Sadhguru. seminar room we had the been waiting for, for a long Coimbatore elite showering their time.

36 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 37 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 “Where was the time to do much? All we did was let the news spread through volunteers that Sadhguru may be passing a particular town on this day, and people can welcome him if they wished. We didn’t even give exact timings for security reasons, but they guessed the time and mostly waited for long hours to see him no matter if it rained or the heat was too much, or even if it was night. That’s all!”

The Spectacle of Gutsy What happened in How did this all happen, when nine days before the Rural Folks those 2 hours was an ride even the route was under expression of all- discussion? While we were impressed by consuming love the skills and perseverance of our motorcade, there Sadhguru was literally happened to be a couple of If this is not mobbed as he lovingly local riders near Alandurai accepted the pats who shocked us beyond magical, of affection and the belief! One of them was riding offerings. In some the bike, and the pillion rider then what is villages, he spoke from was standing hands-off like his motorbike to them as a Tollywood stuntman, with magical? they had arranged a mic a phone in one hand high in for him. However, behind this magic, the air and the other hand there are the heart-breaking hanging free; all this to shoot In Thanjavur, a volunteer efforts of Sadhguru and a glimpse of Sadhguru. These showed all the welcome hundreds of volunteers. daredevils were dodging and videos to Lokanetra – zig-zagging and zooming coordinator of the Tamil A volunteer shares, “I feel Isha past our volunteers and our leg of the journey – and is like a colony of bees, and motor riders who were trying asked him curiously, every event or project is like hard to stop them. Finally, making a beehive. Each type we realized that they could “What did you people of bee performs specific tasks. not be stopped and hence None of them know that they it’s their perseverance and do? How did so know, but they all know what to determination that made many people turn up do, and it happens according to them reach their Guru, with placards and plan. Never has anybody seen our Sadhguru. We were all how was so much a beehive abandoned because overwhelmed and in awe of the bees did not know how to their amazing skills. arrangement made complete it.” to welcome him?”

38 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 Catching the BUG!

When the idea of joining to join the rally for the Karnataka portion. My the Cauvery Calling first few days, and after original plan was to skip Here we have a rally was presented that, she would have Tamil Nadu, as I had to me, I just thought to leave to the US for some concerts already bonus sharing from my attendance would her dance tour which scheduled and did not Sandeep Narayan, be tagging along with was already scheduled. know if I wanted to go son-in-law of my wife on some sort I was hesitant whether back and forth. of road trip, not really to even join for those Sadhguru, who rode knowing the full extent few days or maybe Just before the first for a good part of of what it actually was. just one or two events. leg commenced, I got In fact, I never thought But as we had both a call asking if I could the rally as a pillion I would be riding in the missed the Rally for come to Coimbatore passenger. rally for as many days as Rivers in 2017 due to and record the Thamizh I did. our touring schedules, I version of the Cauvery It all started about a decided I would join at Calling song, “Cauvery month ago, when Radhe least for the few days Thaaye.” With just a few told me she was going I was available in the hours’ notice, I jumped

39 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 journeys might get boring for the riders at times! In any case, I was enjoying every minute of the rally. And much to my amazement, the song “Cauvery Thaaye” was being played at every event in Tamil Nadu!

What started as just tagging along with my wife became something I really enjoyed. With each city and event, I learned more and more about Cauvery Calling and how Sadhguru’s plan would help solve this in the years to come. My father grew up in Thiruvaiyaru (in the Thanjavur district) on the banks of the Cauvery river. It is a place I hold very close to my heart, and I on the next flight and got to the wanted to learn how to ride one, frequently visit our ancestral home. ashram for a 24-hour trip to learn to which he gave me a quizzical As a Carnatic musician, many of and record this beautiful song look and said, “If you get into our songs were composed and composed by Sadhguru. I returned bikes, you will forget your music!” sung by Saint Thyagaraja right immediately to Chennai, as I there on the river banks, and there had a concert already scheduled We rode in the rain the first few are even mentions of the Cauvery there the next day, and decided days and when the sun finally river in many songs. I remember as to join the Cauvery Calling rally in came out on the fourth day a child, we would go by the water, Madikeri, Coorg. we camped at the KRS dam. but in the past few years, we have Radhe and I were set to return to only crossed the barren land that it As soon as I reached the event Chennai that night, but Sadhguru has become. in Madikeri, I was told by many told us we should stay so we people that the previous day can go to Chamundi and visit It was amazing to see the support and night were extremely rainy Sadhguru’s Spot. I had never of the villagers, farmers, and and muddy and that I had luckily been, so we both decided to people of all ages – especially avoided that! I requested to ride extend a day. By this time, I the two state governments of pillion on one of the motorbikes knew I wanted to return for a Karnataka and Tamil Nadu coming (as I don’t know how to ride one part if not the whole of the Tamil together. Political parties and myself… yet), not knowing how Nadu journey after finishing my ideologies were set aside, as long I would enjoy it. There were concerts and sending Radhe to everyone agreed that this was also cars and buses coming along the US. Fortunately for me, after one issue that went beyond any so that was my back-up option if completing a concert in Mysore, affiliations one might have. I did not choose to continue on I was able to join the rest of the the bike. I was fortunate to be on rally in Erode on Day 2 of the Just before reaching Chennai, the back of a Triumph Tiger with Tamil Nadu journey. From there, I Sadhguru asked me if I was Ariez Tata, a rider from Mumbai was paired up with Arjun Raman, riding back to Coimbatore on a who had committed his time to the who was also on a Triumph bike. I said, “Yes, of course.” He first part of the rally. His bike was Tiger! The highway roads of Tamil asked me again, somewhat in really comfortable, and after our Nadu were much smoother than shock, “What?! You are coming first 1.5-hour ride, I was hooked! I the hill stations in Karnataka, to Coimbatore by bike?!” I said, immediately told Sadhguru that I and so pillion riding was a very “Yes!” He laughed and exclaimed, smooth journey, though smooth

40 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 “You’ve gone crazy!” I told him I loved riding pillion so the only thing to do was to learn how to ride one myself. He laughed and said, “I see the bug’s got you too!” During the long stretch of night riding, I realized that it might be comfortable to ride pillion, but it definitely wasn’t the best part of being on a bike. I could not see any of the animals or farmland that I enjoyed watching during the day. Hopefully, my motorbike lessons will begin very soon!

I am extremely grateful to those riders who took me along with them, Ariez and Arjun during the rally, and finally Hormazd Although I have seen Now as I prepare for my North Siganporia and Kannan for the for years that all the American concert tour, I miss the ride back to Coimbatore. If not for brahmacharis have amazing rally days of putting on a jacket them, I would not have been able energy that allows them to and helmet and riding to the next to have such a new experience. do superhuman things on a destination. Although Radhe daily basis, it was surprising and I will be in the same country One day when having lunch with to see that even the bike overlapping by about a month, we Sadhguru, he was mentioning to riders were pushing their will only see each other for a few me how the female bike riders limits and able to ride for days. That is something we have are so precise and ride so well. hours at a time. Most riders gotten used to over the years, and He joked that men tend to be a are used to taking breaks we are happy when we can take a little more rash in comparison. I more frequently. However, few days off of our busy schedules replied that Radhe would be the with the Cauvery Calling and meet somewhere in the counterexample to his point! He schedule being so jam- middle. Radhe was very jealous immediately replied, “Oh, she’s packed, there wasn’t much that I got to finish the rally, but she a wild one!” and proceeded to time for breaks. From the had already committed to some recount a story from her childhood. moment someone said, festivals in the US and had to be When Radhe was just two years “Gear up!” all the bikers there. It was the first time I ever old, it seems Sadhguru would would immediately be did something like this, and I think encourage her to climb trees. He ready to go. They didn’t it shocked everyone around me would tell her to climb as much as know when the next break including my wife and father-in- she felt comfortable with and stop, was, when the next meal law, but now I am sure this was the and then he would guide her from was, where or when they first of many adventures to come. there branch by branch. She would would be able to rest that It seems to have lit a fire inside of listen to him diligently and go night. The ride could be me, not only to support Cauvery exactly as he guided. Even today thirty minutes or it could be Calling in any way that I can but she loves to climb trees and large five hours. It didn’t matter. to also learn how to ride a bike as rocks wherever we go, however, I They were in it 110%. I soon as possible! asked him to please request her to was so moved to see this take it easy as she is a dancer and commitment from so many Sandeep Narayan is a Carnatic must take extra precautions when riders that had joined from all vocalist. Learn more and it comes to her legs and feet! over India. follow him on Instagram @ sandeepnarayan. 41 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019 Mother Cauvery does not know who you are. But you should know, you are Cauvery’s children from Talacauvery to Tiruvarur. Action Now. - Sadhguru

42 / CAUVERY CALLING SEP 2019