Maharishi Alok Sagar, A Modern Guardian of the Forests
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| Maharishi Alok ( Dr. Alok D. Sagar) |
In the previous post (posted before news of Alok Sagar became public) this author had described about hermits who
are also guardians of the forests, such is their love for nature. Some say that all this is history or theoretical with no relevance
to modern times. But it is not so dear readers, such hermits exist even today. One
of them - Alok Sagar - was a class fellow during my younger days. We both graduated from the
best university for engineering in the country in 1971 and later after some more study, we both
went on for doctoral studies again at leading universities in USA and Canada. However soon after, this friend,
Dr. Sagar took to the forests for reasons similar to what has been described in the
previous post. Until recently he kept his education and background secret but
it became known by chance due to an inquiry by police who became suspicious
that he might be some spy or something. He had to reveal all then. He
has been helping educate villagers that live in forests and busy restoring
forests. You can read about him here:
“He has planted more than 50,000 trees in Betul district. And in association with the Shramik Adiwasi Sangathan, Sagar works for the welfare of tribals. Today, he can be seen riding bicycle, in line with his green Endeavour, collecting and distributing seeds among tribals at a reasonable rate.”
Through this note this author now refers to him as Maharishi Alok (since he has the highest
educational qualifications as available in the world today deserving the title Maharishi as per nomenclature described in my previous post) but to his friends
of old like me he shall always be known by his childhood pet name – Tabla - albeit
now - Tabla Sadhu
Older post referred in this note:
http://nainitalgoddess.blogspot.in/2016/05/guardians-of-forest-and-babaji.html
There are many videos on 'Alok Sagar' on the net. They are in Hindi so as to be understandable to people among who he lives now.
Older post referred in this note:
http://nainitalgoddess.blogspot.in/2016/05/guardians-of-forest-and-babaji.html
There are many videos on 'Alok Sagar' on the net. They are in Hindi so as to be understandable to people among who he lives now.
Comments
Incidentally we did MTEch Together and before we discovered the Fujia restaurant with you and Julka, I, Tabla and another used to visit Akbar hotel for a weekend treat. MY favorite was a cold meat plate and his chicken in a basket (the basket was made of bread) Perhaps he has become vegetarian now even as I have more or less but we were great for meat then and also shared rum in our hostel rooms at times :)
I have memories of Alok at school, not at the IITD- the timing matches.
Ashok, when you get to him do let me know. I am trying to reach him. Don't worry I will not be wasting his time. He has done a lot, yet there are still many miles to go for him. He is a dogged pursuer.
Regards
Deepak Gupta (DG- Chemical, 1971)
Education is not just for knowledge
but to inculcate in us deep understanding
and to put that wisdom to work
to help the poor masses
life is for lifelong education
to be of service to vulnerable and needy
and to reduce the burden of those
who're marginalised and neglected
we don't raise ourselves by our status and position
but by uplifting the downtrodden
and by raising them whose life
is a living hell on this planet
we salute you dear Alok ji
you have made this come true
and in ample measure
by your own example
May God Bless you and all your endeavors
you inspire us enormously
to be of some service to the poor and needy
in our own lifetime which is temporary and fleeting!
with warm regards
Vinod
Maharishi
Self effacing
comfortable being incognito
with no material possession
cut off from the bustling world
life dedicated to social work
awareness so vast and deep
and seeker of the ultimate truth
living from the soul
not seeking any followers
walking in trust and faith
no need for name and fame
'Maharishi' is their apt name
wanderer by nature and spirit
mountains and forests their preferred retreat
nature is their hearth and home
sun and silence their life force
to serve one and all their very life
nothing they expect from the world
very few and rare are such souls
whose life is a living example for earthly beings
living from the mind or heart is not the only way to live
that which satisfies the soul is the right way to live
live for others and see the change that it brings.
with warm regards
Vinod