Visit to Baba Amte's Ashram
November 9-10, 2006

“I have sought my soul, my soul I could not see

I have sought my God, my God eluded me

I sought my brother and I got all the three…'

With these words the enigmatic Baba gave us a glimpse of his noble soul, it reflected the selfless strength with which he has devoted his entire life to the care and rehabilitation of leprosy patients, physically disabled, tribals and homeless people. Baba Amte's association with the social cause began with the stirring sight of Tulshiram, a man dying of leprosy, which changed his life forever. With his indefatigable energy and dedication, Baba serves as a source of inspiration, empowering the 2500 strong community at his aptly titled path-breaking development project, Anandvan, 'the forest of bliss'.

For the first time in the history of Baba Amte's Ashram, students of a management school visited and stayed at Anandvan, with the objective to develop social consciousness and study the relevance of management in social work. It reiterates the novel pedagogic innovation in management education, which is the hallmark of the SPJIMR, where out-ofclassroom learning is focused on inculcating in participants the sensitivity to real-world issues. The students were guided by Mrs. Neeraja Mattoo, the chairperson of DOCC, Dr Tapan Bakshi, the Head of the Operations Department and Mrs. Mona Nanavat, Professor, IT Department at SPJIMR.

At the ripe age of ninety-three, with fifty-seven years of service behind him, the dream of one man, Muralidhar Devidas "Baba" Amte and the enduring efforts of the organization he set up, has emerged into a self-sufficient unit. The ashram, which is situated near Nagpur in Maharashtra, India is recognized and respected across the globe and has done much to dispel prejudice against leprosy victims and give them a new lease of life.

Talking to the students Baba joked about staying young by interacting with the youth and that the tonic of interacting with the young and enthusiastic management students will last for long. Speaking about management, Baba stressed on the necessity of young leaders to gain more exposure by working at the grass root level and develop empathy towards the problems of the people. “The illiterate literates of the country have kept the society alive”, he said.

Rousing the social consciousness of the students he gave a call to 'go back to the villages' and make deeds, not words their focus. 'The world is safe in the breath of the youth.' Saying this Baba stirred the hearts and fired the minds of the spellbound students urging them to listen to the dictates of his conscience to always care for the mighty palm of the people working 'with' the people and not for the people.

Baba's legacy lives on through the tireless work of family, comprising of his two amazing sons and their wives, who in their own ways have contributed significantly to furthering Baba's vision. His great inspiration and the unassuming wellspring of Baba's strength, Sadhnatai Amte, with her ceaseless spirit continues to work by his side, matching Baba's stride with her own.