We had recently gone to Dehu to see the famous Gatha temple on the banks of the Indrayani river dedicated to the works of Sant Tukaram. He was a 17th century saint who wrote over 4100 abhang lyrics (Abhang are the Marathi devotional bhajans). At the entrance to the temple we came across a middle aged person seated on a chair who would request people entering the temple to spare 10 minutes of their time to listen to him narrating the story of the place. Many would just ignore him and proceed directly into the temple.
Something about him made us stop and we clustered around him.
He then gave a beautiful description of the history behind the temple - especially the lost and found story of the lyrics - and did it in an engaging and humorous manner. At the end of his talk - and to pre-empt us from offering him any payment - he said that he does this free as part of social service to tourists - and that he does not accept any fee.
Later on he invited me home - and I realised he works in an MNC and also owns a large mango orchard. He also volunteers his weekends to taking classes for schools where he helps students on aspects such as personality development.
What impressed me about him is that he seems to have found a higher calling despite holding a hectic day job. He is doing things that inspire him and keep him going - and he does it without any expectation of gratitude or recognition.
His name is Sri. Vittal Janoba Kaloke and you can find him most evenings at the magnificent Tukaram mandir at Dehu narrating the history behind this temple to anybody who is curious and willing to listen.
May more such individuals - who take the effort to find a higher calling - thrive in this country.
Something about him made us stop and we clustered around him.He then gave a beautiful description of the history behind the temple - especially the lost and found story of the lyrics - and did it in an engaging and humorous manner. At the end of his talk - and to pre-empt us from offering him any payment - he said that he does this free as part of social service to tourists - and that he does not accept any fee.
Later on he invited me home - and I realised he works in an MNC and also owns a large mango orchard. He also volunteers his weekends to taking classes for schools where he helps students on aspects such as personality development.
What impressed me about him is that he seems to have found a higher calling despite holding a hectic day job. He is doing things that inspire him and keep him going - and he does it without any expectation of gratitude or recognition.
His name is Sri. Vittal Janoba Kaloke and you can find him most evenings at the magnificent Tukaram mandir at Dehu narrating the history behind this temple to anybody who is curious and willing to listen.
May more such individuals - who take the effort to find a higher calling - thrive in this country.
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