What makes a human being happy? Fame? Name? Wealth? Seems enough, right?
Well, it wasn’t for Agus Indra Udayana, the Padma Shri awardee from Bali, Indonesia. He lived a lavish life that many would dream of. Still, he chose the path of service.
In conversation with LifeBeyondNumbers, Udayana shares his journey from being a model to receiving the Padma Shri – one of the highest civilian honors in India, and beyond.
The inspiration
In 1992, Udayana first read the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi while he was working as a model. He read the autobiography several times and was amazed by the ideologies Mahatma Gandhi followed. The curiosity within him sparked and inspired him to explore more about Mahatma Gandhi and his principles.
Later in 1992, he got a chance to visit India where he met Nirmala Deshpande didi and Dr. S.N. Subarao.
“Nirmala Deshpande didi & Dr. S.N.Subbarao were like my mother & father in this journey. Nirmala Deshpande didi encouraged me to study in India to get a deeper understanding. So, from 1996 to 97 I began my journey at the Institute of Gandhian Studies in Wardha & Gujarat Vidyapith. Thereafter I explored the places associated with Gandhian principles like Kochrab Ashram, Sabarmati, and many others,” said Agus Indra Udayana about how his transformational journey started.
The next phase
Agus Indra Udayana wanted to take the Gandhian philosophy overseas to Bali, Indonesia. With a population of 4 million and limited land, he decided to convert his home into a Kochrab Ashram. He was strongly inspired by Gandhiji and Swami Vivekananda during his journey in India. So, in his ashram, Udayana served on the ideology of “Daridra Narayan”, meaning service to the poor is service to god.
Also, read: Meet Mahatma Gandhi’s Last Active Disciple Who Is A Staunch Believer Of Non-Violent Social Change
He wanted to help the poor people by sharing knowledge and guidance. He believed that youth and less privileged people are equally talented but lack resources, and knowledge is the best way to uplift and motivate them. Even Gandhiji believed that character was an essential aspect of an individual, and the best way to develop a character for a conscious society is through knowledge.
For every individual Agus Indra Udayana helps, he further requests that person to help other 18 people. To keep the chain of service going, he urges people to pass on the act of kindness in any form possible. It can either be friends, relatives, or even strangers. He believes that helping people is like sowing seeds that will grow and serve further.
Letting go of the old life
Leaving a lavish luxurious life and shifting to a simple life where you serve people is not that easy.
“When your calling is stronger, you don’t have to struggle or let go of things. I used to visit Orgphanages and similar places to help kids as a part of the projects funded by other companies while I was a model. I always felt that why can’t I do it on my own? The experiences at the orphanage and other similar places touched my heart and inspired me to do something on my own as well,” said Agus Indra Udayana about how hard was the transition.
He did not want to start a place by the name orphanage because he wanted to create a family. Every individual was a part of the family and the whole process was to convert “dust to diamonds”.
“Our students and volunteers that join us unleash their hidden potential during their journey,” he shared.
Padma Shri Agus Indra Udayana
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said with a smile upon asking how he felt about receiving this award.
Udayana was extremely touched by the efforts made by the Indian Government in selecting some of the simplest and noblest souls for the Award. He couldn’t stop his tears when he met other awardees. In the field of social work, he saw dancers, people from the transgender community, and simple fruit sellers who served from whatever they had.
Also, read: Meet The Padma Shri Tribal Environmentalist Known As ‘Encyclopedia Of Forest’
Meeting our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji was another memorable experience he shared with us. The short conversation they had was wonderful and he felt lucky to have met such a visionary leader of India.
And the journey continues…
On 28th October 2019, Agus Indra Udayana took diksha and was given the name Ida Rsi Putra Manuaba. Soon, he was honored with Padma Shri in the year 2020 by the Government of India for social work and spreading Gandhian Philosophies. He also received the Jamnalal Bajaj Award in the year 2011.
He is currently traveling in India and meeting people to connect and expand his vision of sharing, serving, and educating individuals. His ashram, Gandhi Puri, located in Bali, Indonesia welcomes all individuals interested in social work, spiritual growth, or inner transformation.