A bit of spirituality to water down spirits

The minister concerned, Dr Dashrath Bhande, has directed the district collectors to seek the help of kirtankars and provachankars (those who deliver spiritual discourses through sermons or songs) to popularise de-addiction throughout the state. These de-addiction ambassadors will be given numerous benefits including free travel by the state transport buses for the said purpose.

In addition, their efforts will be lauded through block, district and state-level annual awards which includes a citation and Rs 10,000 in cash.

The minister has already presented the state-level Vesanmukti Seva Puraskar (De-addiction Seva Award) early this week to well known provachankars Gagangiri Maharaj, Baba Maharaj Satarkar, Pundalik Maharaj Bhosale and Satyapal Maharaj Chincolikar. All of them deliver early morning discourses on television’s popular channels.

‘‘The state has spent a lot of money implementing numerous de-addiction programmes. We know we do it better than these provachankars. But whatever and however the state does it, we cannot create the right impact. In contrast, mere words uttered by them become an aadesh (order) for the addicts,’’ said Dr Bhande to The Indian Express. ‘‘Their sabhas attract more people than our rallies,’’ he said.

According to the minister the state will give them the right impetus to promote its cause. ‘‘Today, all forms of addiction in the state stand at an estimated 70 per cent. This is extremely alarming. After due thought I feel that state policy, however strict, will not help. Only spirituality will,” admitted the minister.

In the face of a cash crunch this certainly looks a better option for the state. ‘‘There is no money, besides I’m not in the mood to spend when nothing happens,’’ said Bhande.