Straight from the heart - To Whomsoever It May Concern

I visited Anandvan, Somnath and Hemalkasa in March 2016; witnessed Baba Amte's work. I hate to admit this. But the only reason I know Baba Amte is only because of the marathi movie about his son Prakash Amte that released in 2014. Until then my knowledge was oblivious to the existence of this selfless family. 

Baba with Sadhana tai (His wife)

After watching the movie, I read Prakash Amte's autobiography. That's something I did to cross check the authenticity of what was shown in the movie. I was moved. I went online and could only find a handful information about Amte family's work.

It was clear for me that I'll visit this place and contribute in the way possible for me. I made my travel arrangements. I was the only non-senior citizen in the 14 member group going there; two others pushing towards 60! I then Informed my family, office, friends and acquaintances; barring my family only a few people knew where I was heading to. Mind you, I mentioned I was going to Anandvan which was the first and oldest project of Baba Amte and if someone did not know that, he would surely have no knowledge of Somnath and Hemalkasa.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with our people. We know what the press/presstitutes or social networking sites throw at us. I was in the blind too! Why wasn't the internet speaking about them? Here's some replies I actually received when I told people from my life that I was going to Baba Amte's Anandvan:-

1) Ye konse naye baba hain? (Quite an insulting question once you realise who Baba was)

2) Wo lonavala wala resort? (*Face palm*)

Most others would simply send question marks. I don't blame any of them. You and I were unaware because nobody was creating awareness. The media is busy chasing Bollywood actors not speaking to each other or those who went to/got released from prison. 

A board outside the leprosy hospital in Anandvan

Also, those of you who know about the Amte family know only limited things they've seen in the movies and/or that it has "something" to do with leprosy. Let's not go in to our knowledge about leprosy :| 

Here's a little info about the places I visited:-

Anandvan

Vikas Amte, Baba's elder son who is pivotal for the
administration of all projects.
I had the honor of meeting him. An extremely humble guy! 

Literally, Forest of Joy, located in Chandrapur district, 2 hours from Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra is an ashram and a community rehabilitation centre which was started for leprosy patients and the disabled of society. It was founded in 1948 by Baba Amte to provide cure the leprosy patients who were outcasts of their villages, their homes and void of social acceptance even after being cured.

Somnath

The ever green Somnath.
A camp takes place every year which I will soon be a part of! 

Baba envisioned Somnath as a village where the cured leprosy patients would live together in a village. There are no inter-caste marriages there; only inter-disability marriages. At present Somnath has about 550 residents, most of them leprosy patients and handicaps. About 1200 acres of land is used for cultivation. This project was started by Baba in 1967 after fighting for and finally being sanctioned "barren" forrest land. At present, it is the powerhouse for all projects for agricultural supplies!




Hemalkasa

Prakash and Mandakini Amte treating a tribal kid

Hemalkasa is where Lok Biradari Prakalp (LBP) (Brotherhood of People project) which is a social project of the Maharogi Sewa Samiti, Warora involving a hospital, a school and an animal orphanage which is being managed by Dr. Prakash, Baba's younger son and his wife Dr. Mandakini Amte. It was started in 1973 by Baba Amte for integrated development of Madia Gond tribe and to include them in normal standard of living.

Amte's Animal Ark

This is literally 0.1% info I can provide in this space. I will write more in detail soon. I don't have enough knowledge even after visiting these places for 5 days. These are all smart towns now! In spite of being in the Vidarbha region, none of these places were victims of water scarcity, thanks to water recycling and conservation. They have food supplies in reserve for an year as a precaution for droughts. Presently, the third generation of Amte Family is managing the all the projects. 

When I do some sort of social work or I am a part of any environmental initiative, I tend to ask the people around me if they would like to do the same with me. Most people don't want to and a few who want to, make excuses and procrastinate. I don't force anyone. I still won't force anyone. Coz if you don't 'feel' anything then you won't do it. I urge you, or at least try to motivate and inspire you to make a contribution to those who are in dire need of social acceptance, however little that might be. If everybody did a pinch of good, soon there'll be nobody needing any help. 

"Social responsibility comes along with wealth and influence" - Baba Amte

If you're reading this, you're definitely 'well to do'! You will do yourself no loss by helping someone selflessly. Let me clarify that. If you have at least:-
1) two meals a day and drinking water
2) two sets of clothes and
3) a roof on your head
you're 'well to do'. Everything else you got whether it just be GOOD food, CLEAN drinking water, house with ROOMS (Plural) and other LUXURIES was only by an ACCIDENT. You were born in a well to do family only by sheer coincidence.

The richest family in the world are not the Ambanis, Tatas, Birlas or Gates, it's the Amtes!

Chal Nanda Patkar Road

As part of a Rotaract initiative!

So what strikes your mind when you want to hangout in Vile Parle? Probably the areas in and around Juhu Beach, that street where NM and Mithibai College is or anywhere else but Nanda Patkar Road! So where is it exactly - You know the petrol pump near the highway near the dominoes, in Vile Parle east? Yes, opposite that petrol pump lays the street rarely explored by people not staying in Parle east.

There is nothing hi-fi about this street, just a couple of restaurants that are not worth going in to. What is absolutely worth it is a roadside misal wala and a chai tapri! Being very close to my college (M.L.Dahanukar College), it was pretty much our ritual to have the "Gabheri misal" almost every day possible. With ample parking space, it was all about getting there, parking the rides, lining up on the counter, spicing up the misal with that extra curry and a cold drink later on to cool down - it would seem like going to college was after all not a complete waste of time!  

A lot of college memories of that place embedded in our minds! Marching over there in large groups, non-stop chattering, friendly leg pulling sessions, blah blahing and the moment the food is in front of us - complete silence, just the occasional "aur do pav dena"! Unlike many other streets where you could have multiple options to eat (Confusion too), this street has one unique thing that others don't - it is surprisingly quiet and aloof from the main roads. 


It's been some time since graduation, but still Nanda Patkar Road is often the only reason for me to go to Vile Parle East. 

Building a path towards girl child education

 "The future must not belong to those who bully women. It must be shaped by girls who go to school and those who stand for a world where our daughters can live their dreams just like our sons."
                  -  Barrack Obama

Reality:

In India, there are still many regions where it is still believed that a girl child is nothing but a burden to the family, 'paraaya dhan', who doesn't have the right to education but to 'cook' and serve her family and some day her husband! 

Helping Hands begs to differ. 

Altering reality:

26th July'15 will be a day remembered by all the young kids of Voice Sanjivani.

Voice Sanjivani- founded by Mr.Victor Bansiwar in Virar east is a home dedicated to rehabilitate and educate the underprivileged girls. There are 34 girls in the age group 8 to 16 years. Helping Hands headed over to spread some joy, happiness and contribute to the education of the girls.

The day started with Chinmay Joshi making a surprise entry and entertaining the kids with a comic performance in a joker costume which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. The kids sang a welcome prayer for the Helping Hands team. The team introduced themselves and the kids too were asked to give cross introductions and kids also sang & danced to the tunes of "India waale".

Hemant Dhane, a freelance artist, showcased his skills by painting a beautiful picture of a rural area. Mr.Vijay Dashpute, President of Chemist Parivar NEWS Virar gave an informative lecture and demo for all on Life Saving and First Aid.

The day gradually progressed into masti time with One Minute Games like Folding Newspaper origami, Blow the Balloons, Stick Bindis, Straight line straw connecting, Pinning hair clips etc.

Dr. Hemat Joshi, M.D in Pediatrics, gave them inspiring pep talk on how to stay fit and the importance of education in life.

Everybody later had a sumptuous meal - Biryani, raita & laddoos.

Various members of the team gave lectures on different vocational courses as follows:-



Lecture/Course                                        Starting from      Enrolled girls

Purpose of doing courses - Vinay Vare                      -                         - 
Painting - Hemant Dhane                             - 13th August                14

Origami  & Chocolate Bouquet - Foram Shah - 16th August                  5                            Tailoring - Padma Gopalkrishnan Iyer              - Soon

MS-CIT - Sanil Churi (Informative lecture as older kids already go for it!)  -                         Beautician - Hiteshvi Desai                              - Soon

The purpose of this was to encourage and enroll the girls in the courses of their interest and of course sponsor them for the same! This is like sowing seeds the fruit of which will be reaped by the kids themselves in the near future. 

Our in house musicians Jugal Sawdekar & Neeraj Raviya played some bollywood hits like Aashayein, Roobaro, Illahi, Teri Galliyan, Tare Zameen Par, Give me some shine etc. Who wouldn't enjoy this?!

The children were then distributed stationery items like pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, water paint, notebooks, pouches and indoor games. Basic daily kitchen items were also provided to the Home.

A general knowledge quiz was conducted and the winners were gifted with token gifts. Victor Sir and his staff were felicitated with gifts for their efforts to set up such an organization. The kids sang a beautiful heart touching song as a vote of thanks to Helping Hands and presented a cake they had baked on their own.

A few generous people have pledged to sponsor the graduation of four girls and employ two others! Majithia Masala will be providing their products for free to Voice Sanjivani for life!

On 7th August a free Medical Check was organized by Helping Hands with the help of Dr.Vandita Kallianpur & Dr. Yashodhar Mahimkar. Prescribed medicines were Donated by Bhagwan Kondlekar (Durga Medical) & Amol Kondlekar - Sainath medical.

Helping Hands has a lot in store for the girls' home. We will be holding an exhibition for the handicraft items prepared by the girls in Kandivali soon. 

This was never a one-day project but a an ongoing project!

Inference: 

Unlike spending a day with the kids, spreading happiness and then getting back to our lives feeling good about ourselves, Helping Hands took a step ahead by conducting courses, enrolling the kids for it, being in touch with them to ensure the well being of each and every child as time passes! 

It is you who make such a project possible! We thank you for your time, money, words of encouragement, kind etc. It is YOU who makes this possible!

About Helping Hands: It was started in the year 2012 by 4 School Friends and now more than 50 hands have joined together in an effort to make a difference in the society! For the past couple of years it was all about providing educational needs but this time we stood for education itself! Helping Hands is not an NGO or a private organisation, just a bunch of beings extending their helping hand!

So why can't You and I? Let's lend a helping hand. Leave a message here or on their wall!

Like us on Facebook! Help us spread the word!

All photographs have been published with consent of the respective photographers.

Hindustani Superheroes

If and only if..!

1. Superman: 

After being raised by a poor family in Borivali in Mumbai, Chetan Kanth (Clark Kent) would often control himself from beating up goons who wouldn't let him in a fast train from Virar while he was getting late for college. 

2. Batman: 

Well, obviously with Buddha Wani (Bruce Wayne) around, they own pretty much everything; Mumbai Indians, Being Human, Taj Hotels etc. But the Mumbaikar Batman has an issue with finding a Bat Cave. He couldn't find one. He tried Kanheri Caves but the tourists and monkeys kept barging in. To add to his misery, his Batmobile was towed away too.

3. Wonder Woman:

Being a strong advocate of women empowerment, Devina (Diana) spends most of her time dealing with rapists and eve teasers. She is also fighting a case against TOI over a cleavage-gate controversy. 

4. The Flash

Bharat Alokh (Barry Allen) retired from being The Flash long ago. When he was The Flash for a little while he would bump into people every other second. The rush hours were the worst where he'd spend hours marching from Dadar Station west to east. He is queuing up for a job interview for delivering Amazon/Flipkart products in half a day -guaranteed! 

5. Spiderman

Prerak Parulekar (Peter Parker) was after a thief who committed a heist in Lower Parel. Makkadman swung by all the tall sky scrapers now piling up but the thieves, clever enough, absconded towards Dharawi. Prerak, unable to swing , had to chase them in Dharawi on foot. Apparently, Spidy is seen cleaning up his web mess in accordance with Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan  

6. Captain America

Well, Captain India a.k.a Satish Rajkumar (Steve Rogers) was the First Avenger who waged war against the British and won freedom for our country back in 1947. After waking up from his "sleep" recently, he has been in a state of shock at the level of corruption, politics in Government offices and also the vulgarity in Bollywood movies nowadays. 

7. Hulk

The word is that Dr. Ballu Balakrishna (Dr. Bruce Banner) has distanced himself from the crowded cities and is living in a small village in the South where he can hurt no one with his gussa. He has been acting in South Indian movies to making his living. Apparently, the South Indian actors are capable of Hulk-like strength without getting angry. 

8. Thor

Too many Gods here, so he went back. 

This were just a few thoughts of the top of my head "if" these heroes existed in India. 

Any others spring to your mind? X-Men? Iron Man? How would they survive in India? 

Breaking the deadlock!

It's good enough we're not losing but it's bad enough we're not winning either! There can't be a better opportunity to make a come back for us than tomorrow! Here are five talking points about Mumbai City FC's chances!

1. Lack of goalscorers & finesse

Miscued chances is what has cost Mumbai City to drop points in a drab fashion in the last 3 games. Moritz blitz in the Pune game had us all in an awe and our expectations went sky high but he has been goalless ever since. With towering defenders in the squad, there would be nothing wrong in expecting a goal or two from the set pieces!

2. The great wall of Mumbai

The defense looked lost at the start of the season. Like Coach Peter Reid remarked, MCFC wasn't playing like a team. They have come a long way to shield the Mumbai goal for five consecutive games. And they will have the job to contain the ghost-like runs of Jeje/Mendoza who managed to bamboozle the Mumbai defenders on more than one occasion in the sides' previous meeting (Also resist their urge to take them down every now and then!). 

3. The Anelka factor

On one hand, as much as we were disappointed to see Freddie play only for a handful minutes in the entire tournament, Anelka has lived up to his stature and given the fans what they wanted. He will be pivotal to Mumbai's chances in the tournament. He will have to be the better player against Elano to give the Mumbai City fans the win they are so craving right now.

4. Indian Starlets

Subhash Singh and Nadong Bhutia are the raw Indian diamonds being polished by Peter Reid and it's about time they start making an impact in the game on their own. Subhash in particular has been spectacular in finding space in the opposition half, making those little runs with his pace but he has made unfortunate contributions to missing sitters. Nadong has been creative on the right flank with his crosses.

5. The dish best served cold.

Yes that's right. Revenge time. No shooting blanks tomorrow. It's not a derby. More importantly it is the question of how we reply to the five goal thrashing we received at their mercy in their backyard. Time to buckle up. Not give away penalties and free kicks especially in the Elano region! 

Go MCFC!

Join me

Are you one of them?

True story

No matter what your age is, people will ask you which class you're in.

The artist within.

Look out for kids running towards you too.

Futa kya?

The Law was passed recently.

I wish we could grow down actually.

Reminds you of anyone?

Will you pass?

It's a conundrum.

God forgives me when I eat non-veg on other days.

To, All The Drivers. (Issued In Public Interest)

If your parents are not Android friendly, you're responsible.