Report on Anandwan

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Baba Amte
"Give them a chance, not charity." - Baba Amte

My Journey to Anandwan

On January 6th, 2009, I boarded Azad Hind Express from Pune Station, heading towards Nagpur. The 15-hour long journey was quite interesting. I was sharing my 3-tier AC compartment with two flirtatious marketing people; a woman and her boss. They looked like they were in their 30's and both were married (not to each other). From their conversation and the way they were acting, I suspected there was something going on between them. They were apparently returning from a meeting in Pune and often travelled together.

The problem with an AC train is that after dark you cannot look out the window, as you only see your own reflection due to the dark tinted windows. So, at first I had nothing better to do than to overhear their conversation. They were sitting right next to me, and I couldn't exactly turn off my ears.

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11 comments:

Cuckoo said...

I also 'overhear' many interesting stories during my journeys. Yet to post any.

And sometimes the roadside pleasures are more than what we want. Right ?

Never been to Nagpur though at present exploring Maharashtra.
So, good information here.

Chitra said...

you write real good..you surely should write the book on the inspiring stories at Anandwan....
the train incident is quite funny and I enjoyed the cup of tea as well while reading :)
The story of Jidnyasa is too inspiring...thanks a ton for sharing this in your blog...
- Chitra

Neeraj | www.bharari.net said...

Cuckoo, your blog is quite interesting. It seems you have travelled extensively - that's great!

Thanks for your comment, Chitra. About writing about the stories of Anandwan - I would love to one day.

Unknown said...

The story about the blind people taking fewer breaks at work is particularly interesting. What a detailed blog this is.

SP Gadiyar (Abhay) said...

Excellent and detailed blog on anandwan. Would request you to edit this by deleting the train journey experience. It stands out from the subject.

ONIL SALKAR said...

This is an excellent piece of Article written by you on Baba Amte's work. I am deeply touched by whatever work he has done for the society and the obstacles he had to face to overcome it.

anita said...

Hi Neeraj,

My name is Anita and I'm a writer/freelance journalist.
Just came across your article on Baba Amte and wanted to tell you tht I wrote a biography on Baba, published in 2005 by Viva Books Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi.
I feel blessed to have met and interacted with Baba, Tai and the whole Amte clan at close quarters during my research.
Try getting a hold of my book.

Neeraj | www.bharari.net said...

Thanks, Anita. I will try to get a hold of the book. You're indeed lucky to have been close to the Amte family during your research.

Priyaranjan Anand Marathe said...

Good one dude! Thanks for writing.

Priyank said...

Loved reading this post (despite being long) Neeraj, I found this post when I was searching something on google ;-)
Check this out.

Rhucha said...

I never read about Baba Amte before this...and never even gave it a thought! I dont know you either,i just googled out for his name,and bumped into this blog!! Now i know how noble peronality was Baba..and even his family members!! Hats off to him! Even i would like to visit ANANDWAN someday! Thanx for communicating such a noble cause!!