Resumo de Wisdom Song- The Life Of Baba Amte

?The Wisdom Song? is the biography of Baba Amte, a man who forsakes his life of comfort in a rich, upper middle class family to make a difference to society. This man?s journey from a fun-loving, rather adventurous youngster to a fearless, dedicated spiritualist is chronicled in the book. He was a true follower of Gandhi and a karma-yogi in the highest sense of the word. You will come away awed by this man's determination and spirituality. He does not believe in doling out money but wants to ensure that marginalized sections of people are given the opportunity to carve out a decent livelihood so that they can live their life in dignity. This ensures that people do not lose their self-esteem and makes them feel that they too have a stake in their futures. Most of us find it easier to hand out money than to immerse ourselves in making the lot of other people better. This is where the book inspires. The author has interviewed many people who came in contact with Baba. A better balance could have been achieved by giving his detractors more space instead of skimming over the controversial issues. Baba himself would not approve of any deification.
The book highlights his work among lepers who were outcasts before Baba Amte envisioned a different life for them. Most of them were disfigured and had lost some of their limbs. He first had to overcome his revulsion at the sight of the oozing, maggot ridden living corpses and he strongly believed in facing his fears. It would have been a richer narrative if the author had expressed Baba?s feelings and thoughts in his own words. This biography also gives a very unidimensional picture of Baba, but the greatness of the man and his work will keep you engrossed and you will be able to fill out the flesh and blood details of this man.
He has had his share of criticism but what is brought out is his total lack of self-pity, his untiring efforts and the way he put into action what most of us only dream of. Baba Amte has been suffering from a degenerative bone disease that makes it difficult for him to walk for long and does not allow him to sit at all. That does not deter him, he has managed to run many institutions, walk, organise marches and think of new ways to help people stand on their own two feet. Baba?s poetry, writing and speeches are also included in the book. A more holistic viewpoint would have included more details, Baba?s conversations and interactions with personalities like Bahuguna, Medha Patkar etc. Worth reading ?if only to meet an inspiring man.

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