Countless volunteers who took a leaf from Baba Amte’s work are now following in his footsteps

Mumbai: For all the love and reverence that he won from youngsters, Murlidhar Devidas, better known as Baba Amte, never for once doubted the possibilities with GenNext.

Hundreds of young brains from across the country and abroad willing to work in different fields would look up to the Baba not only for inspiration but also for moral support to get going. Countless volunteers who took a leaf from his work are now contributing to the development of people all over the country. Whether it was a Dr Abhay Bang who wanted to serve tribal people in Gadchiroli, or an Alok Agrawal who threw himself to the cause of Narmada dam or a local youngster Prahlad Thak who took to teaching the blind, the inspiration was this man who believed everything is possible if there’s will.

Tushar Adoni, 26, a teacher at Warora, said, “It was what he practised that attracted youths till the last moment of his life. And it will continue to do so.” Baba’s grand-daughter Sheetal said, “He was restless for six months, because he would dislike his dependence on others because of his ill-health. I will always carry with me the indomitable spirit that he constantly demonstrated to us.” Sheetal, the GenNext of the Amtes, is the daughter of Baba’s elder son Vikas, She is married to a software professional Gautam Karajgi.

“I think our generation has to learn some important virtues from Baba – a high degree of discipline, a never-say-die spirit, and unflinching resilience,” said Karajgi. “Even during his last days, which were very painful, his sense of humour and wit never diminished.” Vilas Salvi who was inspired by Baba’s Bharat Jodo (unite India) andolan now works as a social worker in Ahmednagar. “I admire him for many of his virtues. He would exhort us to learn modern technology and adapt to changing times. That is why he never grew old mentally,” said Salvi.

Holding youth camps at Somnath for almost three decades had made Baba confident that a “new leadership in India was taking shape quietly”. Hundreds of professionals from Mumbai, Pune and other big cities in the state and outside participate in these camps to follow the ideals that Anandvan is about.

Source : DNA