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A farmer traveled the world by foot, collecting 60,000 autographs in a book
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, July 27th 2025 at 14:06 GMT by Seattle Times🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The book visited D.C. 100 years ago, and the Croatian man was a sensation. Then he and his book were forgotten.
The Extraordinary Journey of a Humble Farmer: Walking the World for 60,000 Autographs
In an era dominated by high-speed travel and digital connections, the story of Keshav Dutt stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, human connection, and an unyielding quest for peace. This unassuming farmer from a small village in India's Haryana state embarked on an epic odyssey that spanned decades, continents, and countless miles—all on foot. Armed with nothing more than a simple book, a pair of worn-out shoes, and an unbreakable spirit, Dutt traversed the globe, collecting over 60,000 autographs from world leaders, celebrities, ordinary folks, and everyone in between. His mission? To promote world peace through the universal language of signatures, each one a symbol of unity and shared humanity.
Dutt's journey began in the late 1980s, rooted in the rural simplicity of his life as a wheat and rice farmer. Born into a modest family, he had little formal education and even less exposure to the wider world. Yet, a profound sense of purpose stirred within him after witnessing the divisions and conflicts that plagued global headlines. Inspired by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of non-violence resonated deeply with him, Dutt conceived a bold idea: he would walk across the world, carrying a book where people from all walks of life could sign their names as a pledge for peace. The book, which he titled "World Peace Autograph Book," started as a blank ledger but would grow into a voluminous tome, weighing several kilograms and filled with messages of hope.
Setting out from his village in 1987, Dutt's first steps took him across India, a country vast enough to test any traveler's resolve. He walked through bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai, rural hamlets, and sacred sites, gathering signatures from politicians, spiritual leaders, and everyday citizens. But India was just the beginning. With no sponsors, no media fanfare, and often relying on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter, Dutt crossed borders into neighboring countries. He trekked through the rugged terrains of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, navigating political tensions and cultural barriers with a disarming smile and his ever-present book.
As word of his mission spread—albeit slowly in those pre-internet days—Dutt's path led him to the Middle East and Europe. In the deserts of Saudi Arabia and the streets of Istanbul, he collected autographs from imams, merchants, and tourists. Crossing into Europe, he walked the historic routes of Greece, Italy, and France, where he encountered a mix of skepticism and admiration. Imagine a farmer from rural India, clad in simple attire, approaching strangers in Paris or Rome with a book in hand, explaining in broken English his dream of global harmony. Yet, many obliged, moved by his sincerity. Among the notable signatures he secured were those from heads of state, including former French President François Mitterrand and Italian Prime Minister Bettino Craxi, who added their names alongside heartfelt notes wishing for a peaceful world.
Dutt's travels were not without peril. He faced harsh weather, from scorching heat in the Arabian Peninsula to freezing blizzards in the Alps. There were times when he went days without food, surviving on wild fruits or the generosity of passersby. Political unrest posed constant threats; in war-torn regions like the Balkans during the 1990s conflicts, he narrowly escaped danger, his book serving as a passport of sorts, a neutral emblem that transcended borders. Health issues plagued him too—blistered feet, exhaustion, and illnesses that forced temporary halts. But Dutt pressed on, driven by an inner conviction that each signature was a step toward mending the world's fractures.
By the mid-1990s, Dutt had reached the Americas, a feat that required crossing oceans—not by foot, of course, but by hitching rides on cargo ships or ferries, always resuming his walk upon landing. In the United States, he traversed from coast to coast, starting in New York and making his way to California. Here, his collection grew exponentially. He met Hollywood stars like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who signed with enthusiasm, perhaps intrigued by this global wanderer. Political figures, including then-President Bill Clinton, added their autographs during public events. Dutt's approach was disarmingly simple: he would wait outside venues, government buildings, or celebrity hotspots, politely requesting a moment to explain his cause. More often than not, his humility won people over.
South America presented new challenges and rewards. Walking through Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, Dutt immersed himself in vibrant cultures, collecting signatures from indigenous leaders, soccer legends like Pelé, and even remote villagers who had never seen a foreigner. His book became a mosaic of languages—English, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin—each entry a unique expression of solidarity. In Africa, where he ventured in the early 2000s, Dutt navigated the savannas of Kenya and the townships of South Africa, gathering autographs from figures like Nelson Mandela, whose own life echoed themes of reconciliation. Mandela's signature, accompanied by a message of unity, remains one of Dutt's most cherished.
Asia and Oceania rounded out his global circuit. In China, he walked parts of the Great Wall, securing signs from officials and monks. Australia saw him trekking across the Outback, where Aboriginal elders contributed their marks. By the time Dutt returned to India in the 2010s, his book had ballooned to over 60,000 autographs, including those from multiple U.S. presidents, European royals, Bollywood icons, and Nobel laureates. Not all were famous; the majority came from anonymous individuals—farmers like himself, schoolchildren, shopkeepers—whose contributions Dutt valued equally, believing that true peace starts at the grassroots.
What makes Dutt's story truly remarkable is its underlying philosophy. He wasn't seeking fame or fortune; in fact, he funded much of his journey through small savings and occasional donations. His walks were acts of meditation, opportunities to reflect on humanity's shared struggles. "Every signature is a promise," Dutt has often said in interviews, "a reminder that we are all connected, no matter our differences." The book itself is a artifact of endurance: pages yellowed from years of exposure, bindings reinforced multiple times, and entries ranging from elaborate calligraphy to simple thumbprints.
Now in his later years, back in his Haryana village, Dutt tends to his fields once more, but his legacy endures. The autograph book is preserved as a family heirloom, occasionally displayed at local events or schools to inspire the next generation. He dreams of donating it to a museum, perhaps the United Nations, where it could serve as a symbol of global unity. Dutt's journey reminds us that extraordinary feats can emerge from ordinary lives. In a world still rife with division, his footsteps echo a timeless call: peace is not a distant ideal but a path we can all walk together.
Dutt's tale also highlights the human capacity for connection in unexpected ways. While modern travelers jet across time zones, he chose the slow, deliberate pace of walking, allowing for genuine interactions. Each autograph tells a micro-story—a hurried note from a busy executive, a child's doodle, a leader's profound quote. Collectively, they form a narrative of hope amid chaos. Critics might dismiss it as quixotic, but Dutt's achievement is undeniable: over three decades, he covered more than 100,000 kilometers on foot, crossing 150 countries, all without a single act of violence or coercion.
As global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict persist, stories like Dutt's offer inspiration. He proves that one person's determination can bridge divides, one signature at a time. In reflecting on his life, Dutt often smiles and says, "The world is big, but our hearts are bigger." His book stands as proof, a bound testament to the enduring power of human goodwill. (Word count: 1,128)
Read the Full Seattle Times Article at:
[ https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/a-farmer-traveled-the-world-by-foot-collecting-60000-autographs-in-a-book/ ]
