Shri. Bhaskar Satpute, an 81+ years young octogenarian, has an enthusiasm for life that is contagious. He has a large circle of friends, is devoted to his family, and lives life to its fullest. He is also disciplined and has a helping nature. He has a good command over English and worked diligently on the two write-ups and the video. Of the two write-ups one is about his life story, and the other is about his efforts to obtain a visa to come to the U.S. to fulfill his dream of higher education.
I thank Bhaskar for allowing me to post his story here for the readers. I also thank Ayan, Bhaskar’s grandson without whose help we may not have such a well-made video.
We wish Baskar a long, healthy, and miracle-filled life ahead!
Thousand Full Moons Team
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Thousand Full Moon: Shri. Bhaskar Satpute (81+)
Contributed By: Ayan Bhatia
My name is Bhaskar Bhagwanrao Satpute. Born in November 1940, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Part of my life has been full of constant struggles, hardships, sacrifices and risks as well as determination, efforts, adventures, self-confidence and intense desire to succeed in life, under adverse and difficult conditions.
By the grace and blessings of God, I have experienced a few miracles. One such miracle is my successful migration to America. I am the first person from KASAR community to come to America in 1967 for education and later settled as a citizen in 1978.
My mother had 4th grade education, but she inspired me tremendously in my early childhood. She used to say “प्रयत्ने वाळूचे कण रगडीता तेलही गळे”
Meaning: “with efforts oil can be extracted from particles of sand.”
My father managed a small utensils shop owned by his sister’s husband in Aurangabad. I was required to help him after returning home from school. I engraved names on brass, copper and stainless steel utensils using a tiny hammer and a chhanni (strong nail).
My parents could not provide expenses for education, so I qualified and won Government scholarships. I passed H.S.C. in 1957 with FIRST CLASS, PUC and PPC with distinction. In 1963, I received B.E. (Electrical) from Osmania University, Hyderabad.
I worked one year in M.S.E.B as a Junior Engineer, three years in Government Poly Technic Aurangabad as a lecturer. Meanwhile, I continued efforts to fulfill my long cherished dream to go to America. I got admission in W.V.U. for M.S. degree in 1967. I resigned my job of teaching.
A Loan scholarship of 8000 Rupees from Ichalkaranji Endowment fund from Pune was enough to pay for two semesters expenses.
Swargiya Vinayakrao Patil, a minister in Maharashtra state government, helped expedite my Passport which was urgently needed.
Without Loan scholarship and Passport It was impossible for me to go to America. This is second example of miracle.
My parents insisted that I get married before leaving to America. I am very fortunate, I chose Vimal as my life partner.
In August 1967, via 3 flights from Mumbai to Geneva, Geneva to London and from London, I arrived in New York. Then 8 hours of bus travel to Morgantown W. V.
After 2 semesters, I went to Chicago with a bus ticket and no money. My friend Vasant Pandav helped me to stay with him. I worked during summer and winter breaks to raise money for remaining education. With M.S. degree in 1969, I started working in Huntington, West Virginia. Received green card visa.
My wife, Vimal came to America in 1972. We both suffered and survived 5 years of separation. Obviously, this was a tremendous sacrifice. Now our family life begins with hope of bright future and good times.
I worked a total of 36 years, 4 in India, 10 in Huntington, 22 in Phoenix Arizona as a professional Engineer in Power Company. Raised 2 children Sheela and Ajay. They are well settled.
I helped financially my family in India until I retired in 2002. So far, I have helped about 35 deserving students from our community to pay their tuition fees. I will continue this pleasant and satisfying work in future.
We have travelled all over the world. Visited Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, Hawai, Cayman Islands, 3 separate guided trips to European countries. We enjoyed 3 ocean cruises to Bahama, Alaska and Scandinavian countries. Furthermore, I love to drive, we saw East and West coast cities and famous tourist spots in America.
I enjoy music, playing bridge, regular Exercise and Pranayam. I keep up with Indian and American politics. Most of all I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
I faced Typhoid 3 times in India, Diabetes patient since 1994. Recently in 2020, I was diagnosed and recovered from Lymphoma cancer during traumatic period of COVID Pandemic. This is 3rd miracle.
I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who have helped me fulfill my dreams and helped me financially.
Finally, God blessed me with a Wonderful life. I am a Happy, Satisfied, Contended and Proud person.
Thanks for reading this and/or viewing video of my brief life story.
Cheers!!
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The Passport Miracle Story
In 1967 I got admission for M.S. degree in West Virginia university in America. I resigned my job . I needed desperately passport within 4 weeks.
My friend from our community assured me that his father who was DIG would help.
A signature of a Collector, DSP or high-ranking officer on the application helps to get the passport quickly. I went to Pune to my friend’s house and requested through him to his father to sign the application. He refused.
Obviously, I was very disappointed but not discouraged.
The same evening, I went to Mumbai by train. Next day morning, I reached to the residence of Shri Vinayakrao Patil, a minister in Maharashtra government. I asked the guard at the gate to allow me to meet the minister. The guard just ignored me and said to me to get lost.
I remained firm, persuaded him to convey my message that a student from Aurangabad would like to see him. Patil Sir started his career as a high school teacher in Aurangabad. After few minutes the guard came out and asked me to go inside.
When I entered the home Patil saheb asked me what I wanted. I explained my urgent need about Passport.
He inquired about me and my family background. He was puzzled about how he knew me.
6 years ago, as a student in engineering college I requested Patil Saheb to give me a character certificate. I was in the Congress Sevadal. Patil Saheb quit teacher’s job and became president of Aurangabad Congress committee. I showed him the letter signed by him about 6 years ago. Immediately he instructed his private secretary to ask any assistant secretary of Maharashtra state government for signature.
Next day, at the secretariat I got the signature. Upon submission of application, I received my passport the same afternoon.
This event is a MIRACLE in my life. Some superpower from blue skies was behind me to guide me to do what I did.
Hey, I was destined to go to America and fulfill my long-cherished dream of education.
After I received my M. S. Degree in 1969 , I sent a letter of gratitude to Patil saheb. To my surprise he took time to answer that letter.
