Modern-Day Tarzan of Belagavi: A Decade in the Wild on Raw Leaves
In the rugged, windswept hills near Ugargol village in Saundatti taluk of Belagavi district, a solitary figure moves with quiet determination. Budan Khan Hosamani, a lean and bare-chested 34-year-old, has called the forested slopes of Heggolla his home for nearly ten years, surviving on raw leaves and wild greens, far removed from the hustle of civil society.
A Life Apart from Society
Locals have affectionately nicknamed Budan the "Modern-Day Tarzan", a moniker inspired by his muscular physique, minimal clothing, and apparent ease in the wilderness. While the comparison might seem dramatic—lacking jungle vines or cinematic leaps—Budan's unique lifestyle undeniably sets him apart. "I like living in the forest, not in public," he states simply, reflecting his preference for solitude over social norms.
Sustenance from Nature
Budan claims to have sustained himself over the past decade by consuming nearly 80 varieties of edible leaves and plants endemic to the region. He insists he does not eat cooked food, rice, or roti, finding conventional meals unappealing. His daily routine includes long walks, yoga, and exercise, practices he credits with helping him digest raw vegetation. Remarkably, Budan attributes his unusual diet to observing monkeys. "I watched what they eat and what they avoid," he explains, noting that studying their habits helped him identify safe leaves and steer clear of harmful ones.
Journey to the Wild
Residents of Ugargol recall that Budan left home about ten years ago. His mother and two brothers still reside in the village. "I told my mother, I won't come home," he says, adding that he departed when relatives pressured him to marry. Although his family eventually accepted his choice, by then, Budan had fully adapted to a sylvan life. Despite his isolation, he keeps a mobile phone for emergencies, a rare concession to modern technology.
A Solitary Path
Whether viewed as a modern-day Tarzan or a solitary seeker, Budan remains a man who consciously chose the wild and has steadfastly stayed his course. His story highlights a unique blend of resilience and simplicity, offering a glimpse into an alternative way of life rooted in nature's bounty.
