Salve for the Mind

A man who spends most of his day interpreting law and fighting for justice in the courtroom has found his way to give back. Desai,a 39-year-old from Navi Mumbai,is now one of those professionals who take time off to provide help to the Warkaris on their devotional walk.

For the past two years,Desai has been skipping his routine work for about four days each year and volunteering at one of the free medical camps that travel throughout with the devotees. Speaking about his decision to start helping at these camps,Desai says,“I was initially more curious to know what exactly brings so many people together every year and was keen to experience it.” So,when a friend suggested that he volunteer,he promptly agreed and then decided to continue the service each year.

The camps are run on donations and free services from various people. As the people walk for hundreds of kilometres,sometimes in bad weather conditions,they often require medical help. Desai says,“People like us who do not have any medical expertise can assist the doctors and reduce their workload.” People often develop sore feet or get dehydrated and the medical camps offer free treatment for such minor ailments.

Narrating an incident from his recent trip with the Warkaris,Desai says,“A lady was trying to get on to the paalkhi,when she fell and was seriously injured. But because of the medical camps,she got immediate first aid and was rushed to a hospital in a mobile van.” Like Desai,many professionals including doctors and policemen leave their work for two weeks to offer service to the Warkaris.

“Lakhs of people come from various parts of the state and around but aadmi aadmi ko chod deta hai and they walk chanting the name of God. At times they are so engrossed in the chants that they don’t even realise that they have an injury,” Desai says.

He believes,“The mental satisfaction that one gets in such a service is very different from the pleasure of being successful in your professional life.” He adds,“Some people who come there don’t even have footwear or clothes but they still smile and walk the yatra. This is a kind of inspiration to live.” He describes his feeling after service as pure ‘mann ki shanti’ or peace of mind,a unique peace that he says only selfless service can bring.