Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Communications
and Information Technology Shri Pramod Mahajan will release a
commemorative postage stamp on Bhagwan Baba at a function at Ahmednagar,
Maharashtra on Tuesday, 15th October 2002. Issued by
the Department of Posts (DoP), the stamp is in the denomination
of Rs. 5/-.
Hailing from the Beed district, Bhagwan Baba
(1896-1965) was an ascetic who belonged to the long tradition
of mystics and saint poets of Maharashtra. In many ways, he was
a spiritual successor to Jnyaneshwar, Tukaram and Ramdas. It was
a religious procession during the Ashadhi Ekadashi that proved
a turning point in Baba's life when he joined a group of pilgrims
and proceeded to the temple of Pandharpur and came in contact
with well known ascetics and saints. With his magnetic personality
and impressive oratory skills, Bhagwan Baba attracted a large
number of people.
Baba's philosophy of life was rooted in universal
brotherhood. He followed a simple life style. His kirtans held
his audience spellbound and demanding more. Bhagwan Baba exerted
a positive influence on all those who came in contact with him
and was able to persuade many dacoits, robbers and other offenders
to give up their vices and lead honest lives. The dindi, or walking
piligrimage to Pandharpur, started by him in about 1920 A.D. on
a limited scale went on to become an institution in itself.
Bhagwan Baba undertook many social service activities
for helping the poor to find livelihood and the landless labourers
to acquire a piece of land for themselves. He initiated programmes
for the spread of education and for providing medical facilities
to the poor. With his support many physically challenged persons
were rehabilitated and relief was brought to leprosy patients.
He also was instrumental in resolving family feuds and enemity
between different groups. His leadership was crucial in putting
an end to animal sacrifices in many places of worship.
