If you ever raised your hand to ask a teacher a question, only to be ignored for the next five minutes… well, just imagine how this guy must feel.

Amar Bharati, 74, a devoted Indian ascetic and sadhu (holy person), has spent the last 50 years tirelessly advocating for world peace through a remarkable and enduring gesture.

Amar Bharati’s story is one of profound transformation and unwavering commitment. In the 1970s, he was an ordinary man working at an Indian bank, living a modest life with his wife and three children.

However, one day, an epiphany struck him and compelled him to make a life-altering decision. He chose to leave behind his family, job, and friends to follow his religious calling as a sadhu.

In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, a sadhu is a revered religious ascetic who willingly renounces all worldly desires. For Amar Bharati, this meant dedicating his existence to Shiva, one of the central deities of Hinduism, often referred to as “the primordial yogi”.

In 1973, inspired by his deep faith in Shiva and his unwavering commitment to world peace, Amar Bharati conceived a powerful and universally recognized gesture.

Amar Bharati has kept his arm in the air for 50 years. Credit: Eric LAFFORGUE / Getty

Per History of Yesterday, he raised his right hand high into the air, a symbolic act that he vowed to maintain for the rest of his life.

This remarkable gesture became a symbol of his faith, appreciation for Shiva, and a passionate call for peace in a world marred by conflicts.

In doing so, he became known as the “One-Armed Baba”.

His unyielding dedication led to immense personal sacrifice. For two grueling years, Bharati endured excruciating pain as he held his hand aloft without lowering it. The consequences were profound; his arm lost all sensation, and the muscles withered away. What was once a functional limb became a skeletal structure, and his nails transformed into spiraling claws.

In a rare interview with Indian media, Amar Bharati expressed his simple yet profound desire, saying: “I don’t ask for much. Why do we fight among ourselves? Why is there so much hate and enmity? I want all Indians to live in peace. I want the whole world to live in peace.”

Amar Bharati’s message of peace resonated with people around the world, with people often traveling huge distances to meet him – as seen in an episode of Sky One’s travel show, An Idiot Abroad in 2010.

Indian sadhus, committed to attaining liberation and enlightenment, undertake rigorous forms of penance, demanding exceptional self-discipline. Amar Bharati’s penance stands as a testament to his extraordinary commitment.

Even more remarkable is the fact that his dedication motivated others in India to become sadhus and adopt similar hand-raising penance to promote world peace. Yet, none managed to surpass Bharati’s record.

Sadhu Amar Bharati has kept his arm in the air in dedication to Shiva and to call for world peace. Credit: Glenn Losack MD / Getty

As he surpasses half a century with his hand raised for peace, Amar Bharati shows no signs of lowering it. Even if he were to do so, the years of holding his hand aloft have left his muscles severely atrophied, making it a risky endeavor.

Per The Jerusalem Post, one of his acquaintances explained that the cartilage in his elbow has dried out and therefore any movement will result in his joint breaking.

Another added: “If you try to lower Bharati’s hand you will cause him real pain, not physical but spiritual, for he believes that his eternal salute does indeed promote world peace”.

Amar Bharati’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of peace often requires extraordinary sacrifice and unwavering dedication. In a world filled with turmoil, his enduring gesture stands as a symbol of hope and a call for unity and harmony among all nations.

Check out the time Karl Pilkington met the “One-Armed Baba”: