मला भावलेले बाबा आमटे!

 'Baba Amte' the name which I heard hundreds of times throughout my life of three decads. The curiosity about his work and  his name often compelled me to contemplate  him frequently. A strong desire to see 'Anandwan' and 'Hemalkasa', at least once in life, was bornt in my mind a very long ago. Every  article and every book I read about him would double my willingness to visit these places. Fortunately last fortnight on 9th October 2022, finally the day arose when I started my journey to Anandwan with a few friends of mine. 
The plan was to reach  Anandwan as early as possible so that we could get plenty of time to spend over there. I remember, when we entered the first gate, there was a sudden change in surroundings. Very clean roads with beautiful flowered trees on both sides were catching attention of every passerby.

 Guys,we forget ourselves for a while as we see the well planned structures and roads all around. What astound us above everything are the workshops we come to see facing the streets. These workshops offer different opportunities to the hundreds of youngsters here, who in return enrich Anandwan with their skills of weaving, cleaning, drawing, painting, sculptureing and many more arts to describe. But the most wonderful thing associated with Anandwan is that each and every person working here is physically challenged. This is the sheer magic of Baba Amte who has been a source of unending inspiration for these people. The flame of self reliance that was ignited by Baba in 1951, is still burning with same placidity. Smiling faces, working fingerless hands, welcoming lips and confident hearts are the true identity of Anandwan. One of the dwellers of Anandwan, while speaking to us told that Anandwan was founded in 1951. Since then it has become a home for those outcaste people who suffered severly due to their leprosy. In the course of time, all types of disabled people started becoming an inseparable part of Anandwan. The lonely, the rejected, the abandoned, the unloved and the sufferers from all walks of life were welcomed at Anandwan with equal respect. What different happened with them at Anandwan is very interesting to know. Baba inculcated in their minds and souls that their life was really an opportunity for them. They learnt to lead a happy, self esteemed and  respectful life. What else do we expect for being a good human ?

Today when we  observe each nook and corner of Anandwan, our hearts get filled with joy and proud to see the precise work of it's representatives.We visited one shop where carpentry work displayed. 

Samples of wooden art  by fingerless hands, working on handlooms with sightless eyes, teaching totally dumb and deaf students, paintings made with thrown coconut shells and maize husks... everything is just beyond perception and this can happen only at Anandwan.Really it has  given them a reason to live a fruitful life endowed with self confidence.  I don't know what driving force rules their minds but I didn't find anyone blaming and grumbling their fate for being disabled.

Temples are very common in India. We can't imagine any locality without a temple or a place of worship but Anandwan is an exception to that. We didn't find any temple, church or mosque in Anandwan. I think their work has become their worship and Anandwan itself is a spiritual place.

On moving forward someone told us about the medals and rewards. Padma Shree, Padma Vibhushan, Damien Dutton, the highest award in the field of leprosy by the USA, Ramon Magsaysay, The Dalit Mitra Award, the Right Livelihood Prize, the International Gandhi Peace prize,The Templeton Prize, United Nations human Rights Prize,.... This list includes just some to talk about..

This success story dates back to December 26,1914 at Hinganghat. Murlidhar Devidas Amte, initial name of our Baba Amte. He was born in a rich Brahmin family of a Jagirdar of those times.  He had everything that a person could possibly want, a wealthy background and a comfortable life. But he chose to dedicate himself for the betterment of downtrodden and suffered people. Leprosy.. often remembered as a dreaded disease, horrified people with brooding fear those days.Baba relinquished his well to do profession of a lawyer and jumped in the war to rescue and rebuild his brothers.

To understand  altitude of his accomplishments,his struggles, his legacy,his greatness,his highness,his gospel...only way is a direct trip to... Anandwan.
Anandwan..land of  Opportunities!