At first look he resembles a local politician aiming to make it big one day. Wearing a khadi shirt over his well-built personality and sporting sun glasses, Rachappa S Holour definitely looks like one of those frontrow netas who march to Raj Bhavan to give a memorandum.
But this 66-year-old businessman is different.
Having been successful at his business in Dubai, Rachappa is now settled in Bangalore. What makes him stand out from others is that this humble soul hailing from Kolar is now a devout member of the Gandhi clan.
A trusted aide of Sumitra Gandhi Kulkarni, granddaughter of Gandhi's third son Ramdas, Rachappa says it all started with a dream. "I never imagined that I would ever get a chance to meet anyone from the Gandhi family. During my childhood days, once I dreamt of being part of Bapu's freedom movement. There was a sea of people and I too followed them out of curiosity. We reached Bapu's Ashram and it was very late. So, he asked me to stay back there. I was served food by a girl and later I was told that she was Bapu's granddaughter. I woke up only to realise that it was a dream," Rachappa told City Express.
Years passed by and Rachappa went on to become a businessman in Dubai, yet he kept the Gandhian philosophies close to his heart. Then one day , Rachappa's dream turned into reality.
"In 2009, during a book release function, I met Amma (Sumitra Gandhi) for the first time. My friend introduced me to her and I am really thankful to God for that moment. My life has changed after meeting Amma. She has given so many advices which have helped me a lot. She treats me like her own brother," says Rachappa, who also holds an American licence for deep-sea diving.
Rachappa says all his friends are really proud of his close association with the Gandhi family. "I will now live rest of my life as a social worker," he says.
Even Sumitra Gandhi is all praise for Rachappa.
"He is a businessman by profession and yet has tremendous concern for the nation, respect for tradition, values and the welfare of the underprivileged. I am touched by his sincere efforts. It is a rarity to find such a soul these days," Sumitra said.