Bengaluru: When Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla was shot dead in a hate crime in Kansas, US, two years ago, it deeply affected a stranger in his home state over 13,600 km away. US President Donald Trump, who has been accused of spearheading a deeply-divisive campaign for office, had been sworn in the month before, and Bussa Krishna of Telangana wanted to do something to curb the sentiment of racism.
So, he did the only thing anyone in his position could do: He prayed. Not to God, however, but Trump, placing his photo alongside those of Hindu deities in his worship room.
“We all talk about how love can heal anything. In the same way, I thought if I worshipped Trump, he would hear my prayers and spread the message of love to others too,” Krishna, a resident of Konne village, said.
“As Indians, we are spiritually superior, so I believe that, by involving positive energy, I can win over people who hate others because of their colour or race,” he added.
Krishna, a widower with a six-year-old son, courted headlines over the past week as he installed a 6-foot-tall statue of Trump, which set him back by Rs 1.3 lakh, at Konne.
The installation was organised Monday, meant to mark Trump’s 73rd birthday on 14 June, three days before. He invited all the villagers for a special puja, where the statue was bathed in milk.
The ritual was completed with an offering of turmeric, vermillion, flowers and a special “aarti” to Trump, wishing him a long life.
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‘Good luck mascot’
Krishna’s devotion may have taken a tangible shape with Kuchibhotla’s murder, but the first stirrings began in 2016, when Trump came to him in a dream.
“In 2016, he was my dreams one night. I thought it was a good omen,” he told ThePrint, before explaining how India’s recent victory over Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup cemented his conviction.
“The second time he appeared in my dream… it was a few days ago, just before India and Pakistan played a cricket match,” he said.
“India won and it was proved right that Trump’s presence had something to do with India winning. That’s when I thought I should have a statue of my god made,” Krishna told The Print.
Much like other devotees of any religion, Krishna performs a small ritual in Trump’s name every day, also observing a fast every Friday.
Asked what he liked most about the American President, Krishna said it was his “straightforwardness and fearless attitude”.
“He is daring and he will always think of India as a friend and his actions will help protect our country,” he added.
“When Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured in Pakistan, Trump showed his support to India. That impressed me more,” Krishna said. “He has the ability to help people.”
When it comes to Indian politicians, he has no favourites, but thinks Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a “good man”.
Coming around
The joy of parenthood came with searing pain for Krishna, who lost his wife during childbirth six years ago. An agriculturist by profession, he currently lives with his parents.
Speaking to ThePrint, Krishna said his devotion was something that baffled his friends and family, though the former have since come around.
“My parents do not approve of my obsession with Trump. They are quite embarrassed,” said Krishna. “But my friends, who initially thought I had gone mad, now know I really admire the man and support me.”
Jahangir, one of Krishna’s closest friends, said when people could be fans of leaders such as former Tamil Nadu chief minister M.G. Ramachandran or Jayalalithaa or even actors such as Rajinikanth and Khushbu, and build temples for them, there was nothing wrong with Krishna’s devotion.
“His passion is real and we now respect him for what he believes,” he told ThePrint over phone.
The residents of Konne were initially perturbed by Krishna’s obsession as well, but are now quite happy. The statue of Trump has brought a lot of media and curious tourists, and they are enjoying the attention.
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