Badwani (MP): For those born in the 1990s the song "Jungle jungle baat chali hai, pata chala hai" (the news is doing the rounds in forests) of the famous animated series Jungle Book is a fond memory of their childhood. The series, centered around the character of a boy named Mowgli who was raised by a pack of wolves in a jungle became a household name. But now the unique lifestyle of a teenager in Barwani, Madhya Pradesh is reminding the people of the area of Mowgli.
Since childhood the teenager Kanhaiya has had a strong dislike for clothes. So much so that he refused to wear them all together, his parents said adding that when forced too much he tore apart the clothes.
Initially, they thought that this was just a temporary phase that will be over as he grows up. But that was not the case. When the time came for Kanhaiya's admission to primary school, his family members faced a lot of difficulties due to his unique habit. His teachers tried a lot to convince him to wear clothes but to no avail.
But Kanhaiya's similarity with Mowgli ends here. Not only is he admired by teachers for being good in his studies but he is also well-behaved in class. So, they stopped trying to convince him to wear clothes so that he can focus on his studies.
" He hates wearing clothes since childhood. When we put clothes on him, first he took them off, and then if he is forced too much he will rip them apart," Kanhaiya's mother said. After completing his primary education Kanhaiya was admitted to the middle class. Then his parents hoped that he will start wearing clothes. His teachers brought him clothes but their efforts went in vain. Kanhaiya went to school wearing only his underwire.
When the time came for Kanhaiya's admission to the Higher Secondary school, the teachers of the Government Higher Secondary School in Barwani refused to admit him because of his habit of not wearing clothes. It was only with the permission of the District Collector Kanhaiya was given admission and attended class till intermediate in underwear only.
But all the arguments and discussions over his habit of not wearing clothes started to take a toll on Kanhaiya. He was tired of all this. So much so that he told his parents that he will not study any further as in college he would be forced to wear clothes.
Seeing that the career of a good student was in jeopardy, two of his teachers Thomas and Ramesh Chand Saraf ensured that Kanhaiya got admission in college. Now he goes to college in underwear only and at beat wraps a towel around his body.
However, due to Kanhaiya's amicable nature and dedication to studies teachers and other students in college have no issues with him and interact with him normally.
