- Padyatra of the
Warkaris
“I do not need to visit other sites of pilgrimage
when my whole family has the tradition of going to Pandharpur”. This translated
dictum of Sant Tukaram, affirms the divine bliss of the age old tradition of
Maharashtra which is famously known as the ‘WARI’.
Every on the year eleventh day of the bright moon in the month of
Aashaadh, an ocean of devotees leave behind their luxuries, walk through highs
and lows only to catch a glimpse of their Lord
Vitthal. The palakhi of Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj &
Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj starts from Alandi & Dehu respectively with much
zeal and gusto. The Palakhis then proceed to Pandharpur, the home of Vithoba –
Rakhumai. The Wari tradition has been unbroken and
followed with utmost faith for the past 800 years. This year too, the
Palakhis started their 23 day journey to mauli’s abode via Pune which had the
warkaris walking , dancing and singing abhangs
in the holy name of Lord Vitthal. This long journey that the warkar is
travel barefoot is called “wari”. This grand procession was welcomed by
Punekars’ on 10th July 2015.
Keeping up with its tradition since the last few
years, this year too,from 10th July to 12th July 2015, Symbiosis Centre of
Health Care (SCHC) and Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS) in
association with Mrs. Sheela Salve Memorial Trust, arranged four mobile medical
units to offer free medical services by emergency medical practitioners for
warkaris. Whilst the MBA students of Hospital & Health care Management,
SIHS looked after the overall logistics & management of the event.
The Inaugural ceremony was organized at Vishwabhavan,
Symbiosis. Mr. Sharad Ranpise, MLA, inaugurated the medical services by
Symbiosis for the warkaris and delivered an inaugural speech. This was followed
by an address by Mr. Sumeet Sharma, Divisional Railway Manager, Pune. Dr. S. B.
Mujumdar, President & Founder,
Symbiosis elaborated on the Symbiosis initiative in the Community Outreach
Program. Mrs. S. S. Mujumdar Hon. Director, AMM Symbiosis; Dr. Vidya
Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis; Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar, Dean, Faculty
of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis and Mr. Avinash Salve, Ex-
Corporator PMC and many dignitaries attended & expressed their opinion on
this noble initiative spearheaded by Symbiosis & Sheela Salve Memorial
Trust.
This was followed by the departure of the mobile
medical units for the wari from Symbiosis campus to specified locations.
Our Ambulance No.1, with all necessary medical aid
kits and drug supply which included analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs,
anti-diarrheal, supply of ORS, Sprain relief sprays, balms, anti histamines and
antibiotics, was stationed at Vishrant
Wadi on the 1st day of this medical
services inititative. The moment we
reached our destination, we were awestruck at the sea of warkaris, embarking on
their three-week long pilgrimage to Pandharpur that would continue till
Ashadhie
kadashi
The sight
was just overwhelming. Divided into several “dindis” (groups), some carried idols
of Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram on their heads, while a few others carried “tulsi”
pots. Several warkaris swayed holding saffron flags. The old, the infirm, men
and women walked hand in hand to honour their commitment to the tradition of
“wari.” Seeing the sea of people before us, our minds were filled of
anxiety, excitement, certain apprehensions since we all had never worked in
such a big event before.
·
The first group brought the
ever increasing crowd under control.
·
The second group created the log of all the patients getting
treated
·
The third group helped the
EMS students by giving them medicines from the ambulance
·
The fourth group organised medicines and looked after the food and
water requirements of Symbiosis students.
There were three rows of the pilgrims so as to
ensure fast treatment. Most of the pilgrims complained about Joint pains, eye, nausea and
vomiting, small wounds, general weakness. They were provided with analgesics,
anti inflammatory agents, antiemetic, and oral rehydration therapy. Patients
who had wounds inflicted due to walking continuously were provided with
dressing facility. Complaints for loose motion and cold and fever were also
treated. . The medical staff left no stone unturned in
providing the best possible care. From
this year, Symbians also began maintaining e-records of the warkaris who were
served. This novel technique of accurate and organized data management was
looked after by the MBA students.
Also, we encountered an emergency case when a
warkari collapsed to the ground owing to an epileptic attack. Thanks to the
prompt medical attention extended by the symbians, a fatality was averted.
In between our work we also found got time to
interact with the warkaris, they shared their experience till now and we took
photographs with them too.
Language
barrier was overcome by crude but highly effective sign language with the
incorporation of a few marathi words. Many non Marathi students found a unique
opportunity to learn a few Marathi words. After the initial chaos things
eventually settled and progressed smoothly. Everybody got acquainted and
comfortable with their roles. The day ended at 5pm and we had successfully
provided medical aid to 2240 patients on day one.
After packing up some
MBA students walked along with the warkaris all the way
back to SIHS. They walked the 9-10 kilometres dancing, enjoying and being part
of this devotional journey.
We were touched by the devotion of the warkaris,
who paying no heed to the scorching heat and heavy rains, continued walking,
dancing and chanting abhangs during their
sojourn in Pune. Taking pains in a stride, submitting themselves to vitthal
bhakti, the determination and dedication of the warkaris was indeed a learning
experience.
MBA HHM 15-17
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