Veer Rammurti

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Veer Ramamurti" by Kumarpal Desai:

Book Title: Veer Ramamurti Author: Kumarpal Desai Publisher: Balbharti Trust

Overall Theme: "Veer Ramamurti" is a biographical account presented as part of the Balbharti Trust's series aimed at inspiring young readers with the lives of national heroes. The book details the extraordinary life of Ramamurti, a man who overcame severe physical ailments to become a world-renowned strongman, embodying the ideals of physical and mental strength, discipline, and patriotism.

Early Life and Weaknesses: The book begins by describing Ramamurti's childhood. He was the third child of a police sub-inspector. From a young age, he was frail, constantly suffering from fevers, colds, and severe asthma. He was considered weak, sickly, and not good at studies, leading his family to believe he wouldn't live long. He was often overlooked and pitied. Despite his physical weakness, he had a fascination for listening to the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, particularly stories of heroic figures. He also enjoyed observing conflicts and drills, drawn to displays of strength and valor.

Inspiration and Determination: A pivotal moment in his childhood was when he expressed to his mother his admiration for characters like Bhima, Hanuman, Bhishma, and Lakshmana. He was inspired by their courage in protecting women and fighting for righteousness. He declared his ambition to become strong like them and protect the women of his village from oppression. His mother, while lovingly acknowledging his desire, pointed out the need for physical strength, which he lacked. This sparked an unyielding determination in young Ramamurti.

Transformation through Rigorous Training: Fueled by his ambition, Ramamurti embarked on an incredibly rigorous training regimen. He would wake early to run nine kilometers to the military camp, engage in wrestling and learn new techniques, and then run another nine kilometers back home. He even built a makeshift gymnasium at home, where he would wrestle with and train other young men. He performed thousands of push-ups and sit-ups daily, dedicating himself entirely to strengthening his body. He faced immense physical challenges, including overwhelming fatigue and moments of despair where he contemplated suicide. However, the memory of his heroic inspirations, like Bhima and Hanuman, kept him going.

Exceptional Feats of Strength: Through years of relentless effort, Ramamurti's physique transformed dramatically. He became incredibly powerful, capable of feats that astonished everyone. He could knock down coconut trees with a shoulder bump, lift elephants (around 6,000 pounds) onto his chest, break chains with his chest expansion, and stop 25-horsepower motors. His diet was also remarkable, consisting of large quantities of yogurt, ghee, almonds, and butter, though he abstained from milk and never consumed meat, fish, or alcohol.

Facing Adversity and Opposition: Ramamurti's strength and achievements were not without challenges. He faced skepticism and envy. When a renowned wrestler, Eugene Sandow, visited Madras, Ramamurti sought to challenge him. After covertly assessing Sandow's strength, Ramamurti realized Sandow's fame was exaggerated compared to his actual power. Sandow, upon learning of Ramamurti's superior strength (lifting 6,000 pounds compared to Sandow's 4,000 pounds), refused to compete, citing Ramamurti's race. This rejection deeply disappointed Ramamurti.

He also encountered opposition from the British government, who viewed his displays of Indian strength as a challenge to their authority. They often created obstacles, limiting his performances and even issuing orders for him to leave certain regions. Despite these setbacks and harassment, Ramamurti remained steadfast in his mission.

International Recognition and Influence: Ramamurti gained international fame for his strength demonstrations. He traveled extensively, showcasing his abilities in Europe and Australia. His performances inspired awe and admiration, and he was often referred to as a modern-day Bhima. He not only displayed his physical prowess but also championed Indian strength and resilience, countering the prevailing notion of Indian inferiority.

Philosophy and Ideals: Beyond physical strength, Ramamurti emphasized the importance of mental strength, discipline, and character. He advocated for a simple lifestyle, self-control (brahmacharya), rigorous training, and purity of mind. He believed that true strength came from the unity of mind and body. He served as a role model for young Indians, encouraging them to cultivate strength and patriotism.

Later Life and Legacy: Despite his extraordinary strength, Ramamurti suffered a career-ending accident in 1925 when an elephant's leg fell on him during a performance, crushing his foot and leading to its amputation. However, even after this, his spirit remained unbroken. He dedicated his later years to inspiring and training young people, aiming to build a strong generation for India. He faced financial difficulties in establishing training institutions but never gave up on his mission to uplift Indian youth.

Conclusion: Veer Ramamurti's life is presented as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and unwavering self-belief. He transformed himself from a sickly child into a symbol of Indian strength and national pride, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration for generations to come. The book highlights his dedication to physical and mental discipline, his patriotism, and his unwavering spirit in overcoming challenges.