“This year, as our radio station had a live commentary of ICC Champion’s Trophy Cricket matches, I had to work continuously till 5.30pm. Talking continuously without even drinking a glass of water was hard. But I somehow managed it”
New Delhi: Though we know many non muslims who observe fast in the holy month of Ramadan but fasting continuously for four successive years is definitely a rare case and Vysakh Somarajan is one of them.
A popular RJ and assistant programme director with a Malayalam FM station in Ajman, Somarajan says Ramadan is a time he eagerly waits for, throughout the year.
“I started to observe fasting four years back, imitating my friends. In the beginning, it was just for the sake of the thrill to know how they are experiencing it and giving them company. But gradually, it started to change. Now, fasting gives me peace of mind and I get a divine feeling. I feel like getting closer to God,” says Vysakh. His first fasting came during his school days.
Vysakh says besides the religious face, fasting during Ramadan has a social aspect, too. “In a rich nation like the UAE, we see a lot of people wasting food. But once I started fasting, I realised the value of food and hunger. Actually, my Ramadan fasting helps me to work sincerely with charity campaigns being conducted by our radio station.”
Fasting usually doesn’t demand much effort, says Vysakh. But this year, it was not easy for him.
“I start work at 7am, after having Suhoor around 3.30am. This year, as our radio station had a live commentary of ICC Champion’s Trophy Cricket matches, I had to work continuously till 5.30pm. Talking continuously without even drinking a glass of water was hard. But I somehow managed it.”
“I try to learn more about the meaning of fasting and the religion. I am taking efforts to know it better, through books and talking to Islamic scholars. They are always helpful,” he added.
“It was at a car wash station, where I visit occasionally. This year, they invited me for an Iftar. It was a casual invitation. We always have Iftar gatherings at hotels or other big organisations. But this was entirely different. There were around 35 workers of the car wash station. We all sat together on the floor after spreading paper. It was very simple, but the feeling I had there can’t be explained in words,” he cherished speaking about an iftari experience