43. He raised his hand and said “Be happy my son” ...

Thousand Moon: Shri Moreshwar Govind Bal

Contributed By: Dr. R. Boradkar

Shri  Moreshwar Govind Bal is 82 years old and is a staunch devotee of Shri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot.He writes about his spiritual experience and considers himself fortunate that he was the chosen one.

He makes it clear in the beginning that  his experience is not  a fantasy or his imagination. He is also very clear in his mind that it was  not a dream . . He emphatically states that he was not sleeping or day dreaming and was wide awake when it occurred. His elder sister  Shrimati Sharada Joshi who was with  him  bears a witness to what happened.

And now his experience in his own words.

“I opted for voluntary retirement form the bank where I was working in 1980..I used to spend my time reading Dnyaneshwari,  Dasbodh  and other religious books. I also attended the religious discourses and met sadhus and saints in Mumbai.. I was leading a happy life .I never had any craze for money so I had no problems. Life to me was enjoyable as it was.

It was some day in December 1983  and  I had been to Ghatkopar in Mumbai  to visit my elder sister. .We chatted for a while, had our lunch and then decided to rest for sometime. It must have been about 1:30 pm or so and there came a mendicant. He was standing in the court yard and asking for alms. He was chanting the names of gods and goddesses .  We,[ there were three of us] did not pay any attention to him and did not get up thinking he might get tired and go away. When the mendicant saw that no one was  was paying any attention he loudly uttered “Swami Akkalkotwale ” Hearing these words I instantly got up as these were the words hailing my Guru. The verandah  where we were resting had an  iron grill and a gate, so I went near the  gate. There out side the gate I saw a man with very bright eyes wearing a saffron gown, wooden slippers [Khadava] holding a trident in his hand. I was thrilled and did not know what to do. I steadily looked at him and feeling very joyous opened the gate. The mendicant said, ‘ I am hungry .Give me something to eat’ .I told the man that this was not my house and that I was a guest here.. My sister was watching us. In a city like Mumbai it’s not safe to let anyone in so she was just sitting and watching.

But the mendicant did not budge and said give me whatever you have got .I just had a coin in my pocket which I was going to give him when he said come out in the courtyard and then offer the coin. So I went out in the courtyard and gave him the coin .He smiled and then said “Do you want anything my son?” I said  “ No . I don’t want anything. I am happy and contented.” He raised his hand and said “Be happy my son” and turned to go .and went away. I was probably in a state of trance and came to my senses in a wink of an eye .I started looking for him but he was nowhere to be seen. He had vanished. My  sister inquired in the neighbourhood but no one had seen him. I was sorry I had not even bowed to him or paid obeisance..

This I consider the happiest moment of my life as I was the only one who had the ‘Darshan” of the Guru whom I revered .and that too in flesh and blood.”

Shri Bal  couldn’t have asked for  anything more as he had the divine grace .showered on him and that  was what he was striving for.

42. On this day I experienced the happiest jolt of my life...

This is absolute joy!!! I know Smt. Abhyankar from Delhi. We used to live 5 minutes from her. We called her Abhyankar Bai as she was my sister's English teacher. I have participated in programs written by her for the local Marathi Mandal. I cannot believe that the blog will now have her story. Thanks to Dr. Boradkar and all his efforts that I got to see and read about her happiest moment in life...

Thousand Moon: Shrimati Sushila  Abhyankar

Contributed by: Dr. R. Boradkar

We used to visit Abhyankars quite  often when they were in Pune. Advancing age and dwindling health compelled them to shift to Delhi where Pradeep , their son lives. Abhyankars belonged to Pune  and liked it with all its idiosyncrasies  but most probably their heart belonged to Delhi and they had nostalgic memories of their fairly long  stay in the Capital city of  India

Shrimati Sushila  Abhyankar lives in Delhi with her son Pradeep Abhyankar. She did her B.A.[Honours} from Ferguson College Pune and B.Ed. from Tilak  College Of Education  Pune.She served as a Teacher in Parle Tilak Vidyalaya Parle from 1945 to 1956.

After 1956 she shifted to Delhi .In Delhi she joined Minority School run by Maharashtrian Association as an Honorary faculty  member and worked for more than 20 years. With the help of her colleagues , she managed to take the school from pre primary level to the level of High School. She also worked as a Manager  in the school for 4 years. The school named Chougule Public School is an English Medium School and also has  facilities for teaching  Hindi and Marathi languages.

And now lets see what she has to say about her Happiest moment.

                         Here comes the moment of utmost Happiness.

                         [Kshan Ala Bhaggyacha]

“I am now 90 years old and at the fag end of my life, standing before God. If God  asks me which is the moment of utmost joy in your  life, I would unhesitatingly say Oh God it’s the 5^th February 2012.This day is the day of ecstasy for me .On this day I experienced  the happiest jolt in my life .Till the last moment I knew nothing. I only knew that on this day we were to celebrate the “ Dohal Jevan “ of my Grand Daughter in Law Sou. Neha Abhyankar  my grand sons wife .This was a joyous  occasion and I was participating  whole heartedly and with unparalleled  enthusiasm.

It was the morning of 5^th February. At about 11 a.m. I reached a big hall. The guests relatives and others had already gathered there. There  were men and women and everybody was greeting me. The morning was pleasantly cool. Soft music filled the atmosphere. .There was joy every where. I was ushered to a front seat where I sat. There were many people known to me and all were greeting me in a traditional way.

 There was a  decorated Swing right in front and my grand daughter in law, wearing a green sari[Shalu] was occupying it. My daughter in law Sou Vidya and Sou. Neha's mother were on their toes running here and there. Every one had gathered around the swing. Cameras were clicking. All were greeting Sou Neha. I too got up, went to Sou Neha, gave her some sweets and greeted her and wished her well. I then went back to my seat and sat there beholding what ever was happening.

It was then that I saw a huge big Balance on my left hand side. It was also decorated. I didn’t understand as to why a decorated balance was there  It had no business to be there in to days  function. I was just wondering and asking myself as to why it was there, but couldn’t find an answer.

It was then that my son Pradeep  came to me  took my hand   and  started taking  me towards the balance. Like a puppet I went with him and reached the balance. There was my son Pradeep and his wife Vidya on one side and my daughter Sou Padmini Joshi and her husband Shri Vijay Joshi  on the other side . . All my four grandsons were there  and all were smiling. Pradeep then told the gathering “ My mother has completed 90 years and we have gathered here to felicitate her on this occasion.” Every body clapped and expressed their joy. Gently I was made to sit in one pan and was garlanded with a garland of currency notes and flowers .I was so overwhelmed that I just couldn’t speak. It was as if I was in a trance. In the other pan they were putting Panchamrut. I then realized that they were having a celebration of PANCHAMRUTI  TULA  for me. In the meanwhile someone spoke on the subject MOTHER  and some poems were recited. The celebration[Sohala}  lasted for about fifteen to twenty minutes. I was then gently  led back to my chair. I distributed sugar and honey to the women who were there and the celebration was over. All my relatives including those from Pune  gathered round me. I  had lots of questions to ask but then I was profoundly  happy  and these two celebrations had filled my mind  with contentment so much that I totally lost my appetite

The guests were enjoying the food. Heartily. I was still being showered with  greetings, good wishes and presents , rather a bounty of them. The Twin functions were happily over. The guests dispersed and we were left to ourselves, the family members only. Again there was chatting ,while partaking food and a good bit of a very happy laughter. We  returned home in a state of gay abandon.

I was still pestered by the question How did this happen? Who did it ? and the answers were not  forthcoming.

 But I soon got a clarification. The idea was mooted by my grandchildren  Samir and Amit Abhyankar. And the plan was deftly  executed by my son Pradeep and his wife Sou Vidya. Good I didn’t know. Ignorance is bliss it is said.

In retrospect I realize that I have mixed feelings .Its difficult to think objectively ,and find out what was gained and what was lost in life. I am an ordinary woman and I lay no claims to any greatness in life. For me this function  was unforgettable.

I take no credit for this but feel that the credit goes to the elderly people who brought me up with grace , care , love and a proper culture and also to those who taught me  and wished me well. My strength lies in this belief of mine. We have to learn to pick up happiness and discard misery.

This felicitation is really felicitating the elders and the two generations next to my own  have participated joyfully  in it is something  really great, as I feel it, and I consider myself fortunate for that.

I wish all of them  a very bright future  and pray that they fare well in their life.

All  the best and for all the time to come , for all of them.

Shrimati  Sushila  Abhyankar

New Delhi

.

41. Almost 98 years old... and always lending a helping hand

Contributed by Dr. Raghunath Boradkar

Mr Mohorikar is 97years and 10 months old. At this age he has an excellent memory  and recalls the events in his life with a crystal clear clarity.

He appears to have had  an inherent flair for social work  and seems to have taken  it as a mission at an early age. He has been richly awarded for the same.

 Mr Mohorikar belongs to Thane and shifted to Pune sometime after  1995.

Mr Kamlakar Rajaram Mohorikar stays Kothrud Pune 38.He does not have any major illness and maintains good health. The following is an  account of his life and work.

He passed Matriculation in 1935 and joined Thane Municipal office. Typhoid and influenza epidemics were common then. So he organized a group that gave primary medical aid to the needy.

In 1937 he joined Bombay Small Cause court. Soon he joined the Union and and started a sports Club having facilities for playing Table Tennis and Badminton.

He was disturbed by the fact that workers took loans  from

Marwaris and Pathans. So he started  Diwali and X Mus funds  a sort of Co Operative venture and freed the workers from their clutches .

In 1941 he joined a small organization distributing free books to needy students. The organization grew under him and he became the secretary . Later he started a full fledged library and also a medical centre for giving specialist aid at a subsidized cost.

He then started a Wadhuvar suchan Mandal (a matrimonial service) and organized a gathering of eligible candidates.

He then helped in building a Old Age Home[vruddhashram] in Talegaon. Former Railway minister Shri Madhu Dandvate and Shri Datta Tamhane were present at the inauguration ceremony.

In 1965 he shifted from Dadar to Vileparle.

There he became a member of Chandraseniya Kayasth Prabhu  sanajonnati Mandal.

In 1973 he retired as an Asst. Registrar.

The CKP Mandals bulding was incomplete due to lack of funds. When his help was sought he he organized Drammas and cultural programmes to raise funds and saw to it that it was completed.

His 75^th Birthday was celebrated in Vileparle by the Mandal and was given a Manapatra ( a certificate of recognition) in 1990.

In all he has received four Manpatras.

In 1995 he relinquished the charge of all the posts he held namely President All India CKP organization President Dadar CKP organization and Trustee Vileparle organization. And came to Pune as a permanent resident.

In Pune he joined the Anandnagar Senior Citizens Club . He also joined A S C O P.

He  got a certificate for good health..

He participated in a running race for people over 8o and came first!

For this he was felicitated and was given a Maruti Idol.

ASCOP felicitated him for his social work.

With this he reached the pinnacle of glory.

           

40. ...And I ask myself is this the freedom that we all fought for?

Contributed By: Dr. R. Boradkar

Mangala Govind Vartak lives in Pune. She spent her child hood in Wardha very near Mahatma Gandhi’s very famous Seva gram she is running 82. She has fond memories of Wardha and she vividly remembers the 1942 ‘CHALE JAV’ movement and Mahatma Gandhi’s call ‘Karo ya Maro’

Getting swept by the fervour of the freedom movement was by far the most   glorious moment of her life. Here is how she remembers it.

In August 1942 Mahatma Gandhi asked the British to QUIT INDIA and called on the Indians to DO OR DIE. I was studying in the 6^th standard then and was not mature enough to understand the intricacies of politics. My father, uncles and brothers used to discuss about the political situation in India and I used to be a passive listener. But I could understand that the country was passing through turmoil and there were difficult days ahead. Sevagram of Gandhiji and Pavnar of Vinobaji were very close to Wardha. There was maximum political activity in these two places and news used to reach Wardha in no time. Wardha was therefore experiencing a LULL BEFORE THE STORM.

And, one day we heard that the final call for the fight was given, the British were asked to leave forthwith and the Indians were asked to fight to the end. There was excitement every where and I too was moved by this intense passion. Schools and colleges   were closed. All activity was supposed to come to a standstill. Passive resistance was resorted to. .It was a real SATYAGRAHA.

Morning and evening processions called ‘Prabhat Feris’ and ‘Sayam Feris’ were organised though they were banned .Even as children we were fired up by the national spirit and we started participating in the Prabhat feris with the Tricolour in our hands.

On one occasion our Prabhat Feri was to terminate in the Nehru Chowk. The information had reached the police somehow and they were ready for us. We were unaware and reached Nehru Chowk with the Tricolour in hand, singing patriotic songs. The police were ready with their batons ready to pounce on us. Our Prabhat Feri leader was one Yashomati Huddar. She bravely tried to break the police cordon shouting a slogan ’Ladhenge ladhenge Karkehi Dikhayenge’. We also tried to do the same thing but the police resorted to Lathi Charge and started beating everybody. Yashomati was beaten severely. Someone took the flag from her hand and charged forwards and then someone else took it and in a sort of a relay race the flag was taken to the Nehru Chowk. Yashomati congratulated them and then fell down. She was badly injured but remained undaunted .I narrowly escaped being severely beaten. But I was hit on the back and on the legs. We did not mind the beating. We were fighting for our nation and our hearts were filled with pride.

I feel sorry that I don’t see that spirit of sacrifice these days. Only money seems to matter. And I ask myself is this the freedom that we all fought for?     

Mangala Vartak

39. I have never known ecstasy...maybe this was some thing very close to it

 Thousand Moon: Dr. Raghunath Boradkar, Kothrud, Pune. 81+

Contributed by: Rohini

I met Dr. Boradkar for the first time when he recited one of his poems at a cultural program arranged by Phoenix Metro Marathi Mandal, AZ. He was visiting his son at the time. During one of our subsequent meetings I learnt to my delight that Dr. Boradkar was a good friend of my maternal uncle since they both lived in Jamnagar, Gujarath. Apart from being a physician and a poet he has many other interests and keeps up with the world via his computer that he says he is addicted to. Dr. Boradkar has contributed several interviews to this blog. He recently became a 'sahasrachandra darshi' witnessing a thousand moons and has shared one of his happiest moments here upon my request. Here is the account in his own words.

Our first visit to the US was in 1996. Our son Prasad had found a job at ITT Technical Institute in San Bernardino, California to start a new program in Product Design. During this visit, time flew by rapidly and we found ourselves back in India in no time.

In 2000, he moved to Phoenix and joined Arizona State University (ASU). I faintly remember he had asked me if leaving ITT and joining ASU was proper and I had opined in favor. I had then felt that ASU would positively open more doors for him.

In 2003 we met Prasad again in Bhutan where my daughter was working at that time. He seemed to be enjoying his work and the academic atmosphere. When asked he said, “teaching seems to be in my blood.” Finding work that one enjoys is the best thing that can happen in anyone’s life, and I envied him for that.

In 2005 we visited Phoenix. By then, I had retired and we were in no hurry to go back to India. Prasad had just signed a contract to write a book for Berg, a publishing house based in Oxford, England. His friend Paul Rothstein who had unexpectedly died the day after he received the contract had called it “a big deal”. I felt it was a tall order. And it tickled me somewhere.

Soon it was time to leave the US, and we were back in India. And at this stage, it was still a very small idea in his head. What I did not know was that it could grow into an obsession in mine. It did not appear very rational. It was his book, not mine, and clearly I should have no reason to be bothered about it. In spite of all logic, however, the idea of the book first became a concern and then an obsession for me—a magnificent one.

Sometime back I had acquired a computer and I used to regularly fiddle with it. Soon I became acquainted with it and eventually got addicted to it. It was something good that happened to me. I was now able to send emails and ask numerous questions about the progress of the book.

In 2008 we visited Phoenix again. This visit turned out to be an eye opener for me as far as the book was concerned. I could see that barring the hours spent in the university, he spent most of his time on the computer working on the book. I could also sense the tension that was building inside him as the deadline for submission of the manuscript was nearing. There was hardly anything that we could do except looking after his home. Though I had realized that there was no point in pushing, I somehow did not stop goading him to finish and submit the manuscript on time rather than asking for extensions.

We were relieved when on the due date he told us that it was all done and it was just to be submitted. I can recollect that it was late in the evening when he sent off the manuscript, and we happily went out to celebrate the event.  Prasad’s editor at Berg, Mr. Tristan Palmer wrote the next day or day after. He had read the first chapter and had said that he was bowled over—something we had not really expected. It was a comforting compliment.

Months rolled on and it was time to head back home. There was nothing to be done now other than wait for the book to appear in print. What began was an endless flow of time that never seemed to end.

This time I came back to India with a laptop added to my already extra luggage: a very likable addition indeed. And in a few days after returning home, I was used to the laptop. On Amazon.com, I could see the date of publication and a picture of the book cover. The book was being reviewed and some changes here and there must have been suggested and implemented. Though I understood that the process was time‐consuming and we had no control over it, my mind was somehow was not ready to accept the fact. But wait I had to, and so I ultimately tried the only panacea available and that was to LET GO.

Fortunately (or otherwise), time passes in spite of you. Finally the day arrived when Prasad informed me about the publishing of the book. It was the 6th June 2010, and it felt like we had been waiting for a baby to be born. This birth of a book was a great event in my life and the one that I had not imagined till it started. And although it was not an achievement of mine it still made me immensely happy. I had asked Prasad to send me a copy and he promptly did so. When I got the book in my hand, I went on looking at it, handled it gently, and felt like a child who gets a new toy.

Feelings often fall short of the words we use to describe them. Though feelings of joy, ecstasy or happiness might be difficult to describe, they are real sensations. However, the intensity with which one feels is a very personal affair. I was happy, and became more so when the book got an award from Prasad’s university as the best book in 2010 on transdisciplinary humanities.

I have never known ecstasy. Maybe this was a similar feeling or something very close to it.

Dr. Raghunath Boradkar

38. Face To Face With a Tiger

Thousand Moon: Nana Sovani

Date: February, 2012

Contributed by: Bapu Kelkar

Nana Sovani lives in Someshwar near Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India. My father Bapu, a Thousand Moon himself, comes from the same village and spoke with Nana Sovani during his last visit to Someshwar. The account was narrated to me and I have tried to capture it in words.

Nana Sovani now retired for many years, was a teacher by profession. He would get posted in villages close to Devrukh, a town in the Ratnagiri District. He would get paid every two months when he would go to Devrukh on foot and collect his paycheck. On one such trip during a late summer afternoon, Nana was walking on a deserted road towards Devrukh when to his shock and horror he came face to face with a tiger, a real live tiger! He was petrified for a moment and then the fight-or-flight instinct took over and Nana turned around and ran for his dear life and did not look back till he reached home. Although he was devoid of any energy and was thoroughly exhausted yet was overjoyed and overcome with relief for being alive and well.  Nana remembers the incidence vividly even today!

37. I felt proud that I was a citizen of a free nation

Shrimati Lila Laxman Deo (81+)

Contributed by Dr. R. Boradkar (81+)

It was a day but a day that comes only once .It was a moment but a moment that comes only once. On this day and at this moment of midnight India was to be free from a nearly two hundred years of British subjugation.

Every soul in India that day was waiting for the moment that would change history   and be a witness to that great event.

Exactly at the stroke of midnight, for a moment the time stood still, and then those unforgettable words of the First Prime Minister of free India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru filled the atmosphere giving every Indian the Joy and Pride of being a free citizen.

Those words were “Long years ago we made tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge not wholly or in full measure but  very substantially .At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps , India will awake to life and freedom.”

Shrimati Lila Laxman Deo is proud to be a witness to this memorable event.

Shrimati Lila Laxman Deo stays Kothrud, Pune, India

She spends her time reading books on various topics, Is an Active member of Senior Citizens club. Acts as a councilor for her family. She loves her morning walk and exercise.

Here is her account tin her own words.

I was just sixteen when India achieved independence .From my childhood I used to hear that we were ruled by the British and that we were just slaves. In my family the family members were fond of reading newspapers and we used to have different newspapers in our house. The elders used to read the papers and then discuss the political issues amongst themselves. I listened to what was discussed. The stories of patriots who suffered and sacrificed their lives and willingly went to the gallows moved me to tears.

On 15 th August 1947 India became free and at long last we had our freedom .The very thought that we are now free people and a free nation filled my heart with immense joy.

And then there was the morning of our Very First independence day. There was music being played everywhere. The melodious tunes from the Sanai (is an Indian wind instrument) filled the air. My heart was full to the brim with joy indescribable. My country was free and we had driven out the British from our soil.

Quickly I finished my morning chores, put on a new dress and went to school literarily dancing. There was to be a procession and everybody was busy with the preparation. All my classmates were happy. Sweets were distributed and then the procession started.

Slogans like Bharatmata ki Jai (Victory to Mother India), Jay Hind (Victory to India) and swantantryacha  vijay aso  (Victory to freedom) filled the air and the different voices blended together and there was enthusiasm unseen before.

But somewhere in my mind I felt sorry for those who willingly sacrificed their lives and were unable to see this day. The joy I felt was tinged with a shade of sorrow.

While participating in the procession I felt that everything seemed different. The Tri-color was proudly unfurled on every Government Building. I felt proud that I was a citizen of a free nation. I really couldn’t believe that I was actually witnessing and experiencing this great moment.

Now I have completed eighty one years of my life .and I am happy and proud of being a Citizen of a free nation. I do not feel there could have been a greater moment of happiness than this for me.

I tell my children with great pride that I have seen the First Independence day. It’s a golden day for me and I will never forget it in my life .It was a day of utmost happiness and will remain so for me forever.

36. Built the Cheapest Cooperative Society in Thane

Contributed by: Rohini Abhyankar

Shankar (Aba) Marathe was born in Kaasa, Ratnagiri in the year 1928.

He came from a poor family where the primary source of income was ‘bhikshuki’ (local priesthood).

He had seven brothers and two sisters.

Now he has two sons who are both well established in their respective professions.

He remembers the day when the cooperative society that he had worked so hard to get built was inaugurated and the Auditor remarked that to his knowledge, that was the most inexpensive society in all of Thane. Here is how the story was narrated to me by Shri. Aba Marathe…

I used to live in a very dilapidated worn down house. I lived there for 16 years, and one day I came across a piece of vacant land that was for sale. The owner was a member of the Bohari community and he was associated with the rubber industry. I decided to build a cooperative society on that land and resolved to make it very affordable to everyone willing to join the cooperative.

We did some calculations and decided to sell the accommodations at cost price at the rate of Rs. 50/sq. foot. All arrangements were made and it was time for us to buy the land for a cost of Rs. 75,000 and start the construction, but for some reason the owner of the land started dilly dallying when it came to signing the papers. I was worried. The work could not begin till we had the possession of the land. I was very concerned. I gathered up all my courage and went and met with the collector. He reviewed all the documents and telephoned the land owner at his office and firmly warned him that if the papers were not signed by the coming Friday the collector would sign them on behalf of the owner. This did the trick. After a lot of hard work the society was completed. A statue of Shivaji now graces the society grounds. It was a matter of pride and joy for me that I was instrumental in providing decent, affordable housing to the members of the cooperative. The auditor even remarked that as far as he knew, this was the least expensive society in the entire city of Thane.

I have lived here happily for the past 37 years.

35. A moving experience

A moving experience

Contributed By: Rohini Abhyankar

Sushila Joshi age 81 years lives in Girgaon with her 86 year old husband.

She was born in Nasik and came from a well off family and had five siblings.

Now she has a son and a daughter who are both well settled in life with their respective families.

She was a college graduate before she was married and continued her education after marriage.

She did a comparative study of Tukaram and Kabir to earn her doctorate. She has studied the ‘Dasbodh’ and has organized ‘Dasbodh’ study groups for over 25 years.

One day Sushila attended a discourse delivered by a renowned and well respected spiritual leader/‘shastriji’ (a person who is an authority on religion). After his discourse was over, Sushila went to meet Shastriji and as is customary in India paid her respects by bowing at Shastriji’s feet. Since Sushila and her family had high social standing and had conferred an award on Shastriji through the family Trust, he recognized her but before she could say anything he was overcome by emotion and broke down crying like a baby. Sushila was puzzled and shocked and did not know how to react. All she could say was,

“Dada, please don’t cry. If you break down like this what are we to do?”

After some time Shastriji was able to regain his composure and all he could say to her was,

“How are we going to transfer our heritage to the next generation?”

This conveyed to her his worry about the future and the wellbeing of the generations to come.

She was moved by the incidence and remembers it till today.

34. Guruji’s directive changed my life

Guruji’s directive changed my life

Ramakrishna (Dada) Ganesh Joshi

Born in Vasai, Papadi, 1925

Contributed by: Rohini Abhyankar

I spoke to Ramakrishna (Dada) Joshi at his residence in Girgaon, Mumbai on a Sunday morning over tea. We had a long chat where he shared many pleasant memories from his accomplished life. Here is a particularly memorable one…

Ramakrishna came from a poor family. He was the eldest of the six boys in the family. Ramakrishna was a volunteer for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since he was 12 years old.

In the year 1942, when he was in Intermediate Collage, a lot of people left homes to become full time workers (Pracharaks) for RSS. Ramakrishna also registered for Officer’s Training Camp (OTC), a month long training program for the Pracharaks.

It was here that Ramakrishna came in contact with Golwalkar Guruji, the then head of the organization. Guruji knew everyone personally, knew names of all the Pracharaks. He addresses Ramakrishna by name and asked him “Are you planning to be a Pracharak?” Guruji knew that Ramakrishna was a second year college student. He also knew Ramakrishna’s family situation. Guruji asked Shivaram Pant Jogelekar, the regional head, “Will this young man be going?” Shivram Pant answered in affirmative. Guruji thought for a while and said to Ramakrishna that he should become a Pracharak only after completing his college education.

This lead Ramakrishna to complete his education and looking back this seems like the single most life changing event of his entire life. He is very thankful to Late Guruji for his far sighted advice.

33. Promotion: The day of rejoicing!

Contributed by: Dr. R. Boradkar

Mr. Shirlekar is 82 years old .Born on 3-9-1929.

He spends his time in Akola [Vidarbh] and Pune.

When in Pune He stays with his son.

He feels the day of his promotion as the most happy event in his life and a day of joy for all Shirlekars. This is what he has to say and the account is in his own words.

The day of rejoicing for Shirlekars

Some time in about 1954-55 a truck moved over the streets in Balaghat town, then in Madhya Pradesh [and now in Chhattisgarh] state in India. The banner hung over the truck was “14th Annual session of The M.P .Subordinate Engineering Services Association” and about 30 persons seated in truck shouted the slogan “We will live as overseers and die as overseers”. Having put in about 5 years service in Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department, I was one among those 30 persons.

The slogan being shouted by the occupants in the truck obviously spoke about the bleak Chances of promotion for overseers in the employment of the State Government. I came to know that overseers in class III executive posts were eligible for promotion to the limited non gazetted posts as Sub Divisional officers and only a couple of posts in the entire state available to them for promotion to the gazetted posts of Assistant Engineer in class II and Executive Engineer in class I. It then naturally followed that only a few of the most efficient ones could aspire to go up to these superior ranks and that too at the fag end of their services.

The slogan that I have mentioned had an impact on me and for the first time I was worried about my own promotion that seemed so distant.   I was quite happy and contented till then, with my three figure monthly salary which was comparable to the salaries earned by Graduates working on class III executive posts  in other departments of the state.

The second reason for my contentment was that I came from a poor family and had to struggle a lot during my student days and in spite of all odds I had obtained the Diploma in Civil Engineering from Nagpur University. There was no Degree course then and Government Engineering School was the only institution having engineering faculty in the state.

He slogan affected me in such a way that I took my job with utmost sincerity and hard work and my eyes were set on the promotion in the service.. Luckily at the time of reorganization of states I was allocated to Ex Bombay state where there was no quota rule for promotion to class II post of Deputy Engineer and class I post of executive Engineer. The only criteria for promotion to class II post were that a Diploma Holder had to put in 10 years of service in class III post of overseer/Junior Engineer while a Graduate was eligible for this promotion with three years of service only .For further promotion to class I Gazetted post the only criterion common for all was 7 years service in class II post of Deputy Engineer.

Accordingly immediately after completion of 10 years service as overseer /Junior Engineer I was promoted to the Gazetted Class II post of Deputy Engineer in 1959.

This promotion was a moment of extreme joy for all Shirlekars and it knew no bounds, more so when we thought of the slogan given in 1954-55 that once an overseer for ever an overseer. The vicious spell was broken and I was no more an overseer.

 And then came the moment when All Shirlekars reached the pinnacle of Joy when on 10-9-1978 with 9 years  still for retirement ,I received Government Orders promoting me to Class I gazetted  post of Executive Engineer in Public Works Department.

The occasion was celebrated on a grand scale and as is customary sweets were distributed to one and all. This to me was my finest day.

32. Certificate of Excellence!

Nalini

Contributed by: Dr. Raghunath Boradkar

Mrs. Nalini Purushottam Vaidya will be completing 82 years in February 2012.She is an active member of the Mahila Mandal, Stays in Pune. Here is her contribution as was told to me.

Another four months and Mrs. Nalini Purushottam Vaidya will be completing sixty two years of her happy married life. She has fond memories of this period that they have shared together and whenever she recalls them her heart is filled with joy and she feels immensely happy. The memories are as fresh as ever.

One particular memory that she cherishes and relishes belongs to her early married life when at a young age of twenty she entered the large joint family of Vaidya as a newlywed. The family had three elder brothers and their wives, an unmarried brother and a sister and of course elderly parents. As she says she was a little apprehensive initially as she was not used to staying in a large family. Her own family consisted of only four people as her married brothers and sister had settled elsewhere. The apprehension disappeared soon enough and she did not even realize how the days flew in the house which had now become her own.

It so happened that one day her father in law suddenly announced that Sou. Nalini will be in charge of the kitchen and will do everything, cooking and all that by herself . As luck would have it, she knew  cooking and managed everything so well that her father in law was impressed and well pleased. So at the time of dinner when everyone was around he got up and said, Sou. Nalini has managed everything well and has passed her test with flying colors, and I give her a certificate of being an excellent House wife.’ As Mrs. Vaidya says, when she heard these words, her heart was swollen with pride. This truly was the day of utmost happiness for her .and she was overjoyed.

MR and Mrs. Vaidya stayed in a small house in Sadashiv peth for some time and then Mr. Vaidya decided to go to a small village near Vijapur with the idea of doing some business and so left, without completing his graduation. Mr. Vaidya had given her an idea about this so it was not a surprise. It was clear to her that she was to spend her life in the village which offered no facilities for further education or for learning any other skill. So she started mixing with the women folk and   started teaching them about the importance of family planning and creating in them a kind of social awareness.

As she says she makes friends easily .has no problem of loneliness, likes cooking and preparing various dishes and feels content when they are relished.

31. A mystical experience on her way to Kanyakumari

Contributed By: Dr. Raghunath Boradkar
Thousand Moon: Shrimati Sudha Anant Fadke, over 81 yrs. lives in Pune, India. 

According to her it must have been 1996 or 1997 she is not sure. She and her sisters decided to go to Kanyakumari for a picnic.. The plan was to go to Dharwad first and then to Kanyakumari. So they went there. Then they went to Bangalore and took a train to Kanyakumari. On way, when they reached Nagarkoilthey heard that there were riots and the train would not go further. As most who had boarded the train were locals they quickly disappeared and these three were stranded. As they were wondering what to do a porter appeared from nowhere and said come on I will take you to a Hotel. He picked up their luggage and took them to the hotel and asked the owner to feed them. He left telling them that he would come tomorrow and put them on the train. He appeared the next day morning and took them to the station and saw to it that they were on the train. When they wanted to pay him he was to be seen nowhere. They feel it was Swami Vivekananda who had come to help them.   For her a moment to be cherished.

30. Dattatray Darshan and Puranpoli

Contributed by: Dr. Raghunath Boradkar

Thousand Moon: Shrimati Padma Pandurang Bendre is over 81 yrs. Lives in Dharvad, Karnatak, India.

As she says she must have been 4 or 5 years old. She along with her older sister had been to Gangapur with her Parents. The parents both religious were there for a ritual, A Parayan (reading of a religious book) Of “Gurucharitra Pothi”. She and her older sister used to play together, go to school together and be in each other’s company most of the time. Their staple food was mostly rice.

It so happened one day that a rich man was offering Madhukari (food offered by well-to-do folks to poor students, pilgrims etc.) to all and was giving Puranpoli and rice etc. Her older sister suggested to her that she should go for Madhukari and get the Puranpoli. As she says she was very young and so did not mind or say did not feel awkward and went to get the madhukari. But then as luck would have it, looking at her the man offered her only rice as she was small. Disappointed she was back feeling bad and started eating the rice. But to their surprise a man appeared from nowhere and said ' You wanted Puranpoli isn’t it? Here it is, have it.' By the time they relished it the man disappeared. They felt it was God Dattatreya who assumed the form of that man. Lord Dattatreya gave them  'Darshan'.  This she considers the happiest moment.

29. Travelled widely in India and abroad

Contributed by: Dr. Raghunath Boradkar

Shri. B.S.Kolhatkar is 87 years old. He stays alone since his wife's death in 1995.He enjoys good health and according to him leads a tension free life. He has travelled widely in India and abroad. He has a large friend circle and spends his time playing cards watching TV serials and listening to music.

He retired from Indian Railways and was felicitated by them for an excellent service. That he says was his finest day.

But then he has nostalgic memories of his visit to US. He travelled in US alone though he was more than 80 then. He cherishes the memory of his visit to Phoenix Arizona, where he stayed with his granddaughter for 60 days. He describes these sixty days as the GOLDEN DAYS of his life.

He fondly remembers the programs arranged by the Maharashtrian community in Phoenix and has a high praise for them. He is very impressed by the friendly nature of Americans.

28. Dream fulfilled!

Contributed By: Dr. Raghunath Boradkar

Shri P.L.Vaidya stays in Pune. He is 88 years old.

Shri Vaidya feels that selfless service to society is the greatest joy in life.  He is open minded enough to admit that some may feel differently.

From 1946 to 1980 he stayed at Telagi near Solapur. It was a small village and had a Kannad Primary school. The school did not have a proper school building and so the premises of an old Maruti Temple and that too dilapidated was being used, and there were only two rooms available.

Shri Vaidya who was a R.S.S. volunteer started teaching English to the students. He narrated to them the stories of Patriots and Patriotism .He inculcated in them the love of sports too.

In1948 that was after Indian Independence that the school was granted permission to have classes up to seventh standard by the Local Board. The condition was that the local people should contribute Rupees 4500/- and if they did the Board would contribute Rs 18000/- towards the Building fund and build the school.

Shri. Vaidya took up the challenge and started collecting contributions from the local villagers. He organized Prabhat Feris along with the students to collect money for the school.. They collected Rs4200/-. Shri Vaidya added Rs 300/- from his own pocket to complete the sum.

The amount was deposited in a Vijapur Bank and in 1954 the school got the rooms as promised by the Board and Shri Vaidya was overjoyed to see them. This was the happiest moment of his life

His dream was fulfilled.

27. Herculian task to wake her up from her nap...

Interviewee: Ushatai (84 yrs), Interviewer: Vasant Kelkar (81 yrs) Date: Aug 18^th, 2011

Ushatai had visited Vasant Kelkar and his wife with her daughter at their Pune residence.

She has lived a happy fulfilling life. Although she had three daughters and a son she always secretly wished that she could give a brother to her elder son then all the siblings would have brothers and sisters. (What a noble thought!) One of her happy memories is when her younger son was born. She had gotten her wish and now the family was complete.

She also very fondly narrated an incident that happened when she had come home after delivering her youngest son. It was afternoon time and she was taking a nap. The neighbor had returned from running errands and wanted the house key that normally would be left with Ushatai for convenience of the other family. Ushatai was so fast asleep that the neighbor had to perform herculean task just to wake Ushatai up from her deeeeep nap.

Ushatai still remembers the incidence that brings a smile to her face even today!