Gaya (Bihar) [India], August 26 (HBTV): Bhagirath Manjhi, son of Dashrath Manjhi—popularly known as the Mountain Man—expressed gratitude to Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi for building a pucca house for his family in Gaya, Bihar.

Speaking to ANI, Bhagirath said, “When I met Rahul Gandhi in Patna, I told him to come and see the path that my father had carved using a hammer and chisel. So, he came. We sat together on the cot, drank coconut water, and had a meal. He asked the village children if they studied or not.”

Bhagirath clarified that he never requested a house. “We came to know later that he had it built. The house was ready in a month, and he handed over the keys during his visit to Gaya,” he said.

Describing the house, he added, “There are five rooms, a bathroom, a kitchen—everything is ready. Earlier, there was a water problem, but now it has been resolved. Fans have also been installed in all the rooms. Now there is no problem. I am happy that Rahul Gandhi built this house. We are very grateful.”

Dashrath Manjhi, remembered for carving a path through a hill in Gehlaur village over 22 years using only a hammer and chisel, shortened the distance between Atri and Wazirganj blocks from 55 km to 15 km.

He passed away on August 17, 2007, at AIIMS, New Delhi. The Bihar government gave him a state funeral, proposed his name for the Padma Shri in 2006 under the social service category, and released a postal stamp in his honour in 2016 under the Personalities of Bihar series.

Rahul Gandhi had earlier paid tribute to Dashrath Manjhi on his death anniversary, stating on X, “I offer humble tributes to Mountain Man Dashrath Manjhi Ji on his death anniversary. His struggle reminds us that if intentions are strong, no obstacle is too big. His determination and passion will always inspire us.”

(ANI)