A video of Mumbai’s Ghatkopar East BJP MLA Parag Shah has gone viral on social media. In the video, he is seen roaming the streets of Ghatkopar dressed as a beggar and asking people for help.
According to Shah, he did not conduct the experiment for any political event or publicity. Inspired by the teachings of Jain spiritual leader Rashtrasant Namramuni Maharaj, he changed his identity for some time to experience the life of a person in need by distancing himself from his wealth.
According to his affidavit for the 2024 Assembly elections, Parag Shah has assets worth more than ₹3,383 crore. He is a real estate businessman.
Changed his appearance with makeup, wore dirty, worn-out clothes
Shah shared a video of the entire experiment on social media. In the post, he said his guru’s discourses gave him a message of compassion, sensitivity and humanity. He then changed his makeup and attire and spent time among ordinary people around Ghatkopar railway station. During this time, many people did not recognise him.
Asked for alms and observed people’s reactions, some also helped
In the video, Shah is seen sitting by the roadside and asking citizens for help. Some people helped him, while others ignored him. Through the experience, Shah tried to understand poverty, neglect and how society treats people in need.
