Parlakhemundi: Relatives of a ‘missing’ youth had a pleasant surprise recently when he reappeared 25 years after he disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
However, there is a twist to this tale. He wasn’t the usual Krushna Kishore Das of Bhoisahi in Gajapati district, who had gone missing. He has become a ‘Samba Baba’. Attired in saffron he has found solace in Iskcon cult and became a devotee of Lord Krishna all these years.
Even as the change in Das has surprised many, they heaved a sigh of relief after seeing him alive. They had lost hope as he had gone missing without informing anybody. Now, his sudden arrival has spread cheers among his friends and relatives.
According to Das, he was young when he fled home after a tiff with a relative. Out of rage, he took a train and went to Puri where he joined an ISKCON group.
Since then, he had no contact with his family members. He travelled from place to place including Mathura, Vrindaban, Benaras and other places and led a hermit’s life and came to be known as ‘Samba Baba’.
After 25 years, he met a fellow villager who told him about his mother’s deteriorating health after which Das decided to back to his village.
Das’s homecoming is no less than a celebration for the family as it always prayed for his return.
“I am happy as he is back now. We have to go through tough times during his absence which was painful. Since he has returned now, everything should be good for the family,” said Das’ mother.
“We don’t mind him becoming an ISCKON devotee. We would we happy if he continues with his beliefs and preaching. We have become old now, so we want him to spend time with us,” his mother said.
PNN
