A proof of devotion

“For the last six years we have been doing this,” explains Nilesh Gaikwad,another volunteer and social worker,adding,“We take a different group of people every year because we want to spread the message of working towards self empowerment and social betterment. We also want to spread the social and historic importance of these places in the community.” The reason for visiting the Chavadar Tale,is to spread the message of equality and humanity amongst the members and also society in general. However,they have a different reason for visiting Raigad. “We take them to Raigad because Jijamata’s samadhi is on the fort. It is to inspire the womenfolk to raise their children like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj so that they can become torch bearers for the nation,” says Shyambhau.

The Sanghatna,which is spread out across the state,has around 550 volunteers on call at any given time of the day. “For us,activities around the year consist of helping unemployed youngsters find jobs by training them with free driving lessons,and helping them buy their own tourist vehicles or by aiding women through our self-help group to earn money. And we hope that through our efforts,we can bring about a change in society,” says Shyambhau.