Ashok Deshpande: An Unsung Hero Even During Lifetime

Ashok Venkatesh Deshpande, who passed away, recently remained a silent worker all along throughout his life and was literally an unsung hero even during his lifetime. All those who came in touch during different intervals point out his attitude of remaining unattached to typical worldly materialistic pleasures unlike most of the people of his times.

Philanthropist since young age: Ashok Deshpande, according to Sadanand Hiremath, his acquaintance from 1968 and until the former’s demise, had developed the tendency of being philanthropic right from a very young age. Thanks to being influenced by the teachings and practices of Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Ashok Deshpande was always abuzz with activities related to cleanliness and sanitation in schools, colleges and villages.

Eco-friendly toilets in villages: Sadanand Hiremath recalls-“Ashok Deshpande was involved in activities related to creating awareness about health, sanitation and eco-friendly toilets in rural areas since 1968. In order to stress the significance of maintaining proper sanitation and toilets for better health he faced an uphill task to convince the villagers and more so the womenfolk”.

Principal of Sanitation Institute: Ashok Deshpande belonged to Kednur village on the outskirts of Belagavi. He was a Graduate and had his education in Marathi medium despite hailing from a Kannadiga origin, according to Ramesh Bhai of the Vatsalya Dhama voluntary organization based out of Mudhol in Bagalkot district.

Gandhi Ghar in Devagiri: Sadashivrao Bhosale, centenarian, renowned freedom fighter and former MLA set up the Gandhi Ghar Ashram by parting his own land in the Kadoli region. According to Krishna V Itnal, retired Administrative Officer of Life Insurance Corporation of India and Septuagenarian Gandhian settled in Pune, Sadashivrao Bhosale also a Sarvodaya worker bid adieu to active politics after completing his first term as a MLA on the advice of Acharya Vinoba Bhave. Following the advice, he took up rural development activities with Gandhi Ghar transforming it into an epic centre.

A hub of multifold activities: “Both, Sadashivrao Bhosale and Ashok Deshpande initiated a series of health-related sanitation and rural development activities under the aegis of Gandhi Ghar. The first time I happened to meet Ashok Deshpande was at the Tarun Shanti Sena Shibir held in Gandhi Ghar Ashram in 1968. Ashok Deshpande played an active role by enthusiastically taking part in the month-long social work camp for youths. He gave prominence to cleanliness, health and sanitation imparting enough information about the same to the young boys and girls. A number of Sarvodaya workers, freedom fighters and farmers also took part in the camp”, reminisces Sadanand Hiremath.

Relation for 55 years: He also says-“The chance meeting with Ashok Deshpande during 1968 also paved the way for a prolonged relationship of 55 years. Following the first camp in Gandhi Ghar Ashram, a series of similar social work camps were held there and on all such occasions, Ashok Deshpande graced with his talks and demonstrations on cleanliness, health and sanitation. Both our families continue to be associated with the activities of Gandhi Ghar since then”.

Bal Vikas Kendra in 12 villages: “Ashok Deshpande had no children but that was no excuse for him to remain depressed or remain indoors. He spent his whole life for the betterment of people around him. In 1978 he set up the Govind Dham Shikshana Sadhana Trust educational institution and under its banner kick-started Bal Vikas Kendras in 12 villages in association with Kasturba Trust. Tottilu Mane (Cradle House) centres were also started in these villages for the care of infants. Before launching these activities he held several series of meetings with the village elders to persuade them”, he informs.

An introvert on felicitations: Sadanand Hiremath says-“Ashok Deshpande, in fact, was associated with several voluntary organizations across the country and as a result was taking part in programs of several states. Mrs Anuradha Deshpande always remained like a pillar of strength to him by always accompanying him in all his activities. He led the activities of Govind Dham Shikshana Sadhana Trust, Kasturaba Palana Ghar and Kasturba Tottilu Mane incessantly for a prolonged period of 40 years! As a token of gratitude for his contribution to the welfare of children, the Chilipili children’s monthly magazine published in Dharwad felicitated him in 1998. He was felicitated by any number of institutions but he never disclosed any information about the same even to people close to him”.

Three lakes built: To conclude, he takes a glance at the important events Ashok Deshpande participated in “Apart from the Tarun Shanti Sena camp in 1968 he took part in several other important events. They included:

*Community Farming in 1972 when the state was gripped with famine. Under the Grains as Wages scheme, he was instrumental in building three lakes in three different villages.
*Setting up of Govind Dham Shikshana Sadhana Trust and 12 Kindergarten schools in 12 villages in 1982.
*Social activities in and around Kadoli village from 1982 to 1990.
*Hindi awareness programs in 1988.
*A 100-kilometre Bicycle rally for the ‘Alcohol Free Villages’ campaign.
*Formation of Village Forest Committee in 1996.
*Environmental Awareness programs from 1996 onwards. About Five lakh saplings were planted and the formation of lakes, farm ponds, etc. in association with Jan Jagaran Samsthe.
*Awareness program about domestic toilets and Gobar Gas Plants in 1997.
*Awareness programs about Gandhiji in high schools from 2000.
*Setting up of Learning Centers at Khanapur and Belagavi Talukas with the help of Tata Trust.
*Active role in creating awareness against superstitions.
*Secretary of Jeevan Vivek Prathishtana organization.
In addition, he was actively involved with a variety of social welfare organizations”.


-Manohar Yadavatti