This Article is From Sep 01, 2010

Pune man who's lived 25 yrs near railway station is god for many

Pune man who's lived 25 yrs near railway station is god for many
Pune: He's popularly known as the Mastani Baba or Sarkar and has been residing in the vicinity of the Pune railway station for 25 years. Draped in just a towel, the baba does not talk except for a few words in Hindi. His followers say his blessings have worked wonders for them.

Police Constable S G Kadam said the Baba is like a blessing for those around.  "People keep offering him food so that he blesses them. People have immense faith in him. I have been seeing him in the same place for 25 years and there is no change in him. He is definitely not an ordinary man. He hasn't taken a bath but he has a godly persona," said Kadam.

Nishikant Raut, also a constable said: "He never speaks but for a few words in Hindi. It's like a blessing for devotees. All castes, creeds and communities seek his blessings. A family member of a minister comes every week in her car and offers Sarkar kheer."

Kailash, a waiter working in a hotel near the railway station, said: "The baba does not ask for food but drinks at least 20 to 30 cups of tea every day. We feel honoured and consider it a good omen," he said.

Dr Narendra Dabholkar, founder of Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (Anti-Superstition Committee), said: "Going to a baba or godman is not a crime. But if a person is cheated, he should do something legally. It is sad that the government is not taking any decision on enforcing anti-superstition law, which is lying with them since the last five years."
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