"Instead he prefers to think of himself simply as a mechanic with an oilcan who offers help when he sees a breakdown". I hope that when I return back to the UK in the next few months, I can embody a fraction of Baba's humility and work ethic in what ever I do.
This biographical book paints a picture of the life and times of Baba Amte, a social worker with immense inner strength and passion for his causes. We recently completed an Indicorps Workshop at Sevagram (Gandhiji's Ashram) and the nearby Hemalkasa, one of Baba Amtes Projects. His original work with the leprosy community still continues strong in Anandwan, a 3000 resident self-sustaining village in eastern Maharashtra.
This biographical book paints a picture of the life and times of Baba Amte, a social worker with immense inner strength and passion for his causes. We recently completed an Indicorps Workshop at Sevagram (Gandhiji's Ashram) and the nearby Hemalkasa, one of Baba Amtes Projects. His original work with the leprosy community still continues strong in Anandwan, a 3000 resident self-sustaining village in eastern Maharashtra.
In speaking about the end of a country wide cycle-march, there are interesting parallels mentioned which summarise my thoughts towards the end of my Fellowship year:
"Since 20 December, we have been together, today is our last day. Tomorrow we will be going back. In your lifetime, you haven't just had the opportunity to see the country or experience the lives of your people, but you are inspired to note down the inner journey of your soul. What was our courage when we started? When we left, what was our passion? What was our desire? We need to write the balance sheet of all that. I called my dhyeya [fortitude], I gave direction to my goal. Now that I've achieved my goal, I need to decide what I want to do next and truly, that will be the test of whether this Abhiyan was a success or not - what you do with all that you have learnt."
The book is entertaining and emotional, giving the reader a colourful all-round feel for what this great soul was all about. Strongly recommend this to anyone volunteering to do Sewa work anywhere. Baba embodies a some-what updated Gandhian approach to his work and not to mention an equally strong wife (Sadhanatai), children (Dr Vikas and Dr Prakash) and grandchildren, whom are all doctors, including spouses, working in the tough conditions of rural Maharashtra (Amte Family). Totally inspiring family and well worth visiting their work, if you can get there.
Links:
Wisdom Song / Baba Amte Website (to purchase book)
Anandwan: Forest of Joy (leprosy community)
Hemalkasa (Dr Prakash Amte and Family)
