“Sir, Mi Nagpurcha,” is how a bearded man from Nagpur greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to Rome a few days ago. In response, Modi also asked in Marathi, “Naav kay tumche?” The man identified himself as Mahi Guruji. Later on, it was revealed that the man was a native of Nagpur. His original name is Mahindra Shirsat. He has been practising and teaching Yoga in Italy for 22 years now. A small group of women chanted ‘Shiv Stuti’ to accord a spiritual welcome to the Prime Minister in Rome. Modi got a rousing welcome from Indian diaspora at Piazza Gandhi in Rome, where he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

 

While the group of women chanted ‘Shiv Stuti’, the Prime Minister stood there with folded hands. After the ‘Shiv Stuti’, Mahi Guruji introduced himself to Modi. He told Modi that he was teaching Yoga and had taught ‘Shiv Stuti’ to his students. He presented a gift to Modi, and made a request. Mahi Guruji urged Modi to extend support to spread awareness about Ayurveda in Italy. When the Prime Minister asked him about the number of his followers, he replied, “Two lakh.” Mahi Guruji hails from Nagpur. His original name is Mahindra Shirsat. His father Sahebrao Shirsat served in Police Department in Nagpur and retired as Assistant Sub-Inspector. His family lived in Police Quarters in Sitabuldi. Some 22 years ago, Mahi Guruji went to Italy for some work. Later, he shifted there and started teaching Yoga and Sanskrit to people there.