A diverse group clad in white, led by the renowned spiritual figure Sri M, began a journey of a lifetime from the southern tip of India in Kanyakumari to the northern reaches of Kashmir. With a singular mission to promote peace, unity, and communal harmony, this determined cohort has undertaken the extraordinary “Walk of Hope” spanning an impressive 7,500 kilometers. This remarkable odyssey was encapsulated in the documentary “Walking with M,” which was recently screened at the esteemed Chowdiah Memorial Hall.
In the course of a 90-minute documentary, viewers witnessed the ebb and flow of this group, which varied in size but remained a confluence of individuals from various faiths and walks of life. The magnetic presence of Sri M attracted followers from every community, creating a microcosm of India’s diversity united by the shared vision of harmony.
Born as Mumtaz Ali into a Muslim family, Sri M’s spiritual journey began at a young age. His quest for higher knowledge led him to be initiated into the Nath tradition at the age of 19. Contrary to the often stereotyped image of spiritual gurus with long beards and flowing robes, Sri M’s unassuming persona stands out. With a regular family life, he defies expectations while effortlessly quoting the Gita, the Vedas, and Sufi poetry.
Sri M’s ideals of peace and unity were percolating long before the monumental Walk of Hope, initiated in 2015. However, it was a violent attack by those disgruntled by his views that ignited his first step. Addressing the incident, Sri M says, “I am not blaming this side or that. I believe if bad ideas and violence can spread, non-violence and good thoughts can spread too. I believe if we make a little change, a tweak good or bad, it should make a difference. This set me off and I thought perhaps this ripple effect would spread.”
The documentary, seven years in the making, offers viewers a unique lens through which to explore India’s communal tensions.
. The meticulous work of filmmaker Akash Sagar Chopra, who had to sift through a staggering 1,800 hours of footage, is an achievement in storytelling. “From a technical perspective, finding the story was challenging. How do you tell a journey of 7,500 kilometers in under two hours? We fall in love with our footage and with so many beautiful moments, but you have to kill your darlings and chip at the marble block to make this sculpture, to convey the intent of what this film is supposed to be,” Chopra explains.
Despite receiving a warm welcome from people across religious and political spectrums during his padayatra, Sri M is adamant about his lack of political ambitions. Emphasizing his political neutrality repeatedly, he expresses disinterest in contesting elections. At a poignant moment in the documentary, Sri M reflects on frequent questions he faces about potential protests. He states, “I’m protesting against people who turn into animals and kill each other.”
Reflecting on the impact of the Walk of Hope, Sri M admits there is a long road ahead. “We met a number of people, cutting across all barriers, and yet, there has not been much of a change in the world. So now we have to focus on expanding this vision. I feel the first step would be to discuss peace, maybe in churches, temples, mosques, or any other place and talk about coming together across political affiliations.”
“Walking with M” has garnered international attention, having been screened in eight European countries. It has won accolades such as the Best Documentary Film at Film Festival International (Berlin FFI), the Global Peace Award at The International Film Festival (the Hague), and the Outstanding Achievement Best Documentary Feature Length Award at the Swedish International Film Festival.
For those eager to witness this remarkable journey, the documentary is scheduled for screening in Kolkata at Priya Cinemas on August 31. Further details on screenings in Chennai, Trivandrum, and other cities will be updated on the documentary’s official Instagram page @walkingwithm.
The documentary “Walking with M” is not just a film—it is a testament to the enduring power of hope, unity, and the unyielding spirit of humanity to transcend barriers and embrace peace.
