ANANDWAN - THE FOREST OF JOY



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      Anandwan (the forest of joy) has grown over the last 50 years to become what is perhaps the largest community of leprosy afflicted and physically challenged people in the world. Anandwan is the home of those who had been rejected by society. They were the lonely vulnerable, wounded and abandoned, they were the lost , the last, the least. At Anadwan, everyone of them is welcomed with open arms, to stay as long as they wish.



      Anadwan is the realisation of the dream of one man - Muralidhar Devidas Baba Amte - and the enduing efforts of the institution set up by him as a vehicle for this endeavour, the Maharogi Sewa Samiti This photo-essay is a tribute to the unique journey of empowerment undertaken by Baba and his team over the last 50 years. For this journey with all its trials and tribulations, holds major lessons for mankind and is a mirror for the social conscience of humanity.

      What made this journey possible is the untiring energy of its soldiers, their never-say-die attitude. But what has given them sustenance, what has nourished them and kept them going against all odds, are certain fundamental values that they have consistently upheld as an uncompromising charter through these years. These values are based on a belief :-
  • in the irrevocable, irreplaceable, intrinsic worth of each human being,
  • that however severe his or her usability may be, each person has uniquely invaluable gifts to give to the world,
  • that an attempt must be made to overcome any disbility, however great it may be.
  • that social prejudice, taboos and ignorance can all be overcome.
  • that as important as physical cure, if not more is the restoration of be person's sense of self-respect and dignity
  • that to achieve this, the way forward is not charity but empowerment, even of the most challenged

          Based on the lifetime motto of Baba Amte - Work builds, charity destroys - the Maharogi Sewa Samiti has not only ensured the physical rehbilitation of leprosy afflicted and physically challenged people, it has sought to build on their inner resources. to make Anadwan a unique example of a self-sufficient community. Along with his wife, Sadhana Tai Amte, Baba has built Anadwan, the labour of love of the entire Amte family, a family that includes all the inmates of Anadwan.


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