A group of people clad in white, led by spiritual leader Sri M, embarked on an extraordinary journey starting from Kanyakumari to Kashmir with a single objective: to spread the message of peace, unity, and communal harmony. The 7,500-kilometre-long Walk of Hope, which took them over 15 months, has been documented in the film “Walking with M.” The recently screened documentary at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall captures this year-long journey and showcases the highs and lows of their mission.
Sri M, whose birth name is Mumtaz Ali, was born into a Muslim family but showed an inclination toward spirituality from a young age. At 19, he was initiated into the Nath tradition, a significant step that shaped his life’s mission. Unlike the stereotypical image of a spiritual guru, Sri M has a modern appearance and a family life, making him a relatable figure for many. He effortlessly quotes the Gita, the Vedas, and Sufi poetry, reflecting his deep understanding and respect for various spiritual traditions.
The seeds of peace and unity had been planted in Sri M’s mind long before the Walk of Hope began in 2015. However, a violent attack by people who disagreed with his views served as the catalyst for this monumental journey. “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,” said Sri M.
The Walk of Hope aims to shed light on India’s communal fault lines through a fresh perspective. During the 15-month journey, the group grew and decreased in size as people from different communities and faiths joined and left them. The documentary, seven years in the making, provides a comprehensive look into this spiritual odyssey.
Filmmaker Akash Sagar Chopra, who helmed the documentary, faced considerable challenges in piecing it together. He had to sift through 1,800 hours of footage to create a cohesive narrative that would fit within a two-hour frame.
. “From a technical perspective, finding the story was challenging. How do you tell a journey of 7,500 kilometres 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,” explained Chopra.
Throughout their padayatra (pilgrimage on foot), Sri M and his followers were welcomed by people from all walks of life, cutting across religious and political lines. Despite this, Sri M remains steadfast in his declaration of having no political ambitions. His focus is solely on spreading the message of peace and unity. In the documentary, Sri M addresses the common question of whether he is protesting against anything. “I’m protesting against people who turn into animals and kill each other,” he clarified.
Reflecting on the impact of the journey, Sri M expressed that there is still much work to be done. “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,” he said.
The documentary “Walking with M” has garnered international acclaim. It has been screened in eight European countries and has received several awards, including Best Documentary Film at the 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.
The documentary is set to be screened in Kolkata at Priya Cinemas on August 31. Details about upcoming screenings in Chennai, Trivandrum, and other cities will be announced on the documentary’s official Instagram page @walkingwithm.
“Walking with M” provides a powerful portrayal of a journey that transcends physical distance to touch upon the spiritual and communal aspects of human life. Through Sri M’s eyes and footsteps, viewers are invited to ponder on the importance of peace, unity, and mutual understanding in a world that is increasingly divided.
