I am studying in Std. 10th. My family belongs to the Katkari caste. I have 4 siblings. We lost our mother when we were very young and shortly afterwards our father too abandoned us. Shashwat Trust was a great support to us at that time and they enrolled us in the school situated at ‘Aghane’. Without their help we would have been nowhere. They took care of us as if we were their own children. Whenever I remembered my parents, the thought of Anandmama and Kusumtai would give me comfort.
It was only because of the Shashwat Trust that me and my siblings could go to school. It was indeed a sad day when Anand mama left for the heavenly abode. There is not a single day when I do not remember him.
Shashwat Trust started a hostel in Dimbhe. Students coming from the tribal areas who had to travel long distances to attend school benefitted from this hostel. There are currently 25 girls staying in this hostel. Some of them have passed their 10th Board exam and have now gone to cities for further education. Whenever Mama visited us in the hostel, we would have a great time with him. He would tell us stories and teach us computer. He always encouraged us to be educated and independent. He would never stop us from doing anything which was for our development.
I wish that I can educate myself and one day make him proud. I feel honoured to have met and enjoyed the blessings and support of great people like Anand mama. He will always be cherished in our memories.