Anandwan 2007

Here is a computer training session being conducted at Anandwan for the youth living in the nearby villages as seen in December 2007.

Anandwan 2007

During December 2007, I visited Anandwan with Shraddha, a 19 year old college student. This was my second visit to Anandwan, a self sustained village established by the Indian humanitarian Baba Amate a friend of my father Dada Koranne (Vishnu Laxman Koranne). Baba Amate was the founder of many ashrams for treatment and rehabilitation of patients of leprosy, the disabled, and other people from marginalized sections of society. Anandwan, meaning "Forest of Joy" is located in the remote and economically less privileged district of Chandrapur, Maharashtra and is the most well-known of such ashrams and was Baba Amte's home. Baba Amte passed away on February 9th 2008 at the age of 94.

Following are some of Baba Amte's major honors and awards:

Damien-Dutton Award of USA in 1983, which is considered to be the highest award in the field of leprosy.

Ramon Magsaysay (Philippines) known as the Asian edition of the Nobel prize awarded for public service in 1985.

G.D. Birla International Award (1988), for outstanding contribution to humanism.

UN Human Rights Award in 1988 for outstanding contribution in the field of human rights.

The Templeton Prize in 1990 worth $8,84,000. Also known for world's largest cash prize as Nobel Prize of Religion.

International Giraffe Award in 1990.

Global 500 UN Award in 1991 for contribution to environment.

Right Livelihood Award in 1992 from Sweden.

Padmashree by the Government of India in 1971.

Padma Vibhushan in 1986 (returned on January 8, 1991).

D.Litt, Poona University in 1998-86.

D.Litt Nagpur University in 1980.

Jamanlal Bajaj Award in 1979.

Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 2004. Highest award of Maharashtra Government conferred on May 1, 2005 at Anandavan in Warora.

Gandhi Peace Prize in 1999

2008 Press Trust of India (PTI).