'Children taker' to Care taker

'Children taker' to Care taker:
As he was responsible for the children he took with him, he used to take proper care of the children. The children were very small and they even could not do their self cleaning. The children could not bath themselves. They were not used to use water after toilet. Janardan Maharaj himself washed their toilets. He bathed them properly and also washed their clothes on daily basis. He taught them the lessons of cleanness. His greatness lies in the action. He never scolded the children before anyone or publicly. He knew the nature of the adivasi students. They can bear the hardest punishment but they would never bear an insult. One insulting word can spoil their whole life. He was also the superintendent of the school so he had his keen eye on the food pupils got in the school.
Janardan Maharaj did not pay as much attention towards his own children as he done for the children of the people. At times he was very strict. He filed cases against some parents who were not sending their children to the school after registration. He deliberately managed the clerk in the court that the parents were called to the court during the rainy season. That helped him much for his better administration. Janardan Maharaj needed some help from other people. He was teacher and superintendent in the school. This was the first Ashram School in Dhule District aided by Central Government. Before that only two of them were in Gujrat. Shri Chhotubhai Vasava from Dang District ran one Ashram School in that area for Adivasi children. He could not get the cook for the Ashram. His mother helped him in that noble cause. She herself cooked the food for the children. Afterwards Janardan Maharaj helped the Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal in setting up the next Ashram School at Surwani Tal. Akrani in 1958-59. He became the vice president of the institution and still he is vice president.

First Night in Molgi

First Night in Molgi:
When they were about to start the ashram school, they tried to set up the building for the ashram school. When Shri Jaywantrao Natawadkar and his party worker went Molgi at first time in search of land for the school, they saw that there were only few huts of people. Nobody was in a position to be the host of these guests. Both of them spent their night under a big banyan tree. When Shri Jaywantrao Natawadkar, the Member of the Parliament of India was fast asleep, the man with him saw a big poisonous snake perhaps Indian Cobra was crawling towards them. He shook Shri Jaywantrao to wake him up. Both of them watched the dreadful snake from some feet. The snake stopped near the banyan tree and slowly disappeared in the roots of the big tree. Both of them sat alert whole night under the banyan tree. Then they send message to Janardan Maharaj and called there. Janardan Maharaj came there by the evening and they got the shelter at the karbhari of Molgi. Natawadkar told Janardan Maharaj about the incident of the snake and the night under the banyan tree. Janardan Maharaj and Natawadkar took the incident as good omen for the school.
So eventually in 1955 Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal started an Ashram School at Molgi. Working for the Ashram School was the satisfying work for Janardan Maharaj. He observed that people should know the importance of education. So according to the saying, 'Charity begins at home', he went to his relatives and discussed the benefits of education. He convinced them that how education could change the life of their children. There is some spell or the power in his speech that people start agreeing with him. His relatives started sending their children with him. Every morning Janardan Maharaj went out alone but he would return with a block of some children with him. People on the way were astonished by the scene. They wondered that where could he take the children of people. They had not heard about education and school. People started calling him 'children taker'. Men and women of the area feared Janardan Maharaj that he would take away their children too. Some of them even tried to hide the children whenever they saw Janardan Maharaj coming towards their home. But Janardan Maharaj was firm on his decision. Gradually one or another started inquiring about the children. Janardan also convinced them about the importance of education. People started sending their children and now there was no need to wander in search of students. But he never stopped his quest for the students.

Setting up the Molgi Ashram School

Setting up the Molgi Ashram School:
Janardan Maharaj was the member of Executive Committee of Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal and Shri Jaywantrao Natawadkar was the President of the institution. Maharaj worked for the all round development of the adivasi community from the institute. His entry in the social service, politics and finally in education field had the great impact of Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal. Maharaj operated the Grain Bank Scheme and supplied medicines to the needy and poor people in Satpuda.
Shri Jaywantrao Natawadkar was the Member of Parliament. He and Janardan Maharaj filed a charge sheet against the chieftains of Kathi Sansthan i.e. the state. So there was an inquiry at Jamana, a small village in the Satpuda Ranges. There they gathered in the small hut of Shri Vesta Itanya Padvi, he was the Deshmukh of twelve villages. There he was running a voluntary school. Both, Jaywantrao Natawadkar and Janardan Maharaj praised him for his great work of education in the remote, inaccessible hilly area. There was a welfare officer for the enquiry, Shri Davar who praised the way Shri Vesta Itanya Padvi was working in that place.
He suggested to Shri Jaywantrao Natawadkar, "If a person in the remote area can work for the society single handed, then you have the institution of your own. Why don't you start an Ashram School in this area?"
Jaywantrao said, "I don't have the workers to help me in this area. And it is far from Nandurbar so it is not possible to work here."
Janardan Maharaj replied at once, "Why do you say that? I am here to work for you. I am ready to resign the Membership of Legislative Assembly for this noble cause".He could say that because he knew that only education can make the change in the lives of his community. Now this was the mission of his life to work for the education of the deprived and suppressed masses.

Writer's words

Writer's words:
It is almost impossible for me to describe what Janardan Maharaj is to me. For me he is like grandfather or father, teacher, guide... I respect him because I am his employee. But there are other reasons too. He is my guide and source of inspiration to me. Who thought about me to be working vigorously for the cause of our institution, Adivasi Satpuda Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Dhadgaon? I am not doing anything. The things are made to perform me. I was firstly told about a great personality named Maharaj by Shri Bhavsar sir. My elder brother, Shri Narayan Miraghe and Shri Bhavsar were good friends. I was B.A.B.Ed. with English and was jobless after leaving the school of Amrishbhai Patel and I was working as daily commission agent in Govt. Servant's Cooperative Bank, Shahada. The commission was more than Rs.5000 in those days. Still I was not satisfied with that. I was a teacher and I needed the job of a teacher. The work of agent was not meant for me.
Once Shri Bhavsar sir asked my brother that there was a vacancy for the post of English Teacher in S. V. Thakar High School, Dhadgaon. My brother requested him to have a word with Janardan Maharaj. Maharaj told them firmly that if I secure the first place in the written and oral exam taken by the Mandal then and then I will get the job. I had the confidence on me so I applied for the job. Bhavsar sir himself brought my call letter for the exam and interview.
Eventually I secured the first place not only in the written exam but also in interview. Thus I got the job. In the school I was introduced to Maharaj. I saw the grandfatherly figure walking like a young man. I heard about his travel through the hills and vales, I was quite impressed. After that I used to hear his speeches whenever I got the chance. And I started to get acquainted with his multidimensional personality and his works.
I wonder how could I write about a person whose height is above all and sky touching. But it is the fact that if you have faith and respect for someone you can do anything for him. The words were flowing like images in thought process. It was easy for me to write in English than in Marathi due to my knowledge of English and Computer.
It is the thing of proud for me that Maharaj Baba gave me the opportunity to serve this Community besides teaching. Being with him I got the idea about the great culture and customs of Adivasi Community. He has given me a laptop to facilitate me in my works. I use it as a teaching aid in the classroom. I have created many sets of Educational Software for teaching in the class. Maharaj Baba needs the person who is ready to work without time limit. I have worked for many nights in searching various schemes for Adivasi Students from Internet. The knowledge of English and Computer and the thirst for knowing and doing something new and for the society brought me near to Maharaj. Maharaj is like a Philosopher's stone. As philosopher's stone turns any iron into Gold, every person coming in contact with Maharaj is blessed as if his life is turned into Gold.

Forest Labour Society

Forest Labour Society:
In Thane area the contractors of the forest used to exploit the Adivasi Community. The Chief Minister of the time Shri Balasaheb Kher noticed that and started the Forest Labour Society. The society had to be registered under any guardian non profit society.
On the pattern of Thane, Shri Jaywantrao Natawadkar registered many forest societies under Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal, Nandurbar. Shri Janardan Maharaj had the experience of Consumer Stores. There was a forest society in Akkalkuwa area which was in a bad condition. Janardan Maharaj was asked to look after the society. He brought it in profit and was offered back to the local habitants of the area. The same happened in the Lakhapur and Dara Society. They were also brought into profit. So he became the chairman of those societies and the societies prospered well and were returned to the previous chairmen. Eight forest societies were registered in Akrani area by the Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal, Nandurbar. After that Janardan Maharaj looked after the forest society of Khushgavan. He was the chairman of the society. He brought the society in profit. As if he had the special knack in this field of co-operation. He served the society without discriminating people on the basis of their cast or religion. Though he suffered the caste-discrimination, he never allowed his mind to take revenge of that. He is of the opinion that every person is the son of god and he is as dear to him as any Adivasi.

Dakin problem in a school

Dakin problem in a school:
Janardan Maharaj started many ashram schools in Satpuda. Mostly they are remote and in inaccessible area of Satpuda. Ashram School at Danel was one of them. Everything was going well but once one student was bit by a snake and coincidently after a month his brother was bit by a snake. Now people started speaking about the Dakin i.e. witch. It was said that the snake was put in the school by Dakin. As the consequence of it all the students went their home. Nobody was ready to send his children in that school. After waiting for a fortnight Janardan Maharaj brought a Pujari i.e. quack to the school. They pretended to chant some mantras to remove the so called Dakin's snake. Then they spread the news that the Dakin's snake was removed from the school and it was safe to attend the school. And as he expected the students returned to the school. This shows that he has the keys of his community. He always exchanged his thoughts with his community by taking small or big public meetings.

Dakin i.e. Witchcraft

Dakin i.e. Witchcraft:
The superstition about Dakin i.e. witch is one of the major problems in Adivasi Community in Satpuda. It is said that a lady who does witchcraft is called Dakin. Whenever a village faces any problem regarding the simultaneous deaths of persons or children, the blame is put on any lady in the village by villagers. Lack of knowledge and fear about death compels villagers to think like this.
Janardan Maharaj always took meetings of the villagers and tried to teach them the reasons of the happenings. He is assured that there is no Dakin or like that. But he faced many problems so he understood that only Education can make difference in the lives of these people.
Once there was a problem of Malnutrition in the Bamani area in Satpuda. So Shri Amritsing Vasave the Medical Officer of Dhule Civil Hospital visited the area. He asked Janardan Maharaj to come with him. They were told that in old days the villagers of a pada in the area blamed a lady to be a Witch. The Lahya was called by the Patil of the village. The Lahya is a tradition in Satpuda to help any villager in his farms for free of cost. So, all the ladies from the village and nearby villages were called there for Lahya. The lady who was blamed as Dakin was unknown to the consequences and even the blame. In the afternoon the lady was taken out of the field by the villagers and was cut into pieces before all the ladies. The lady was killed before all because it was a threat for every lady that they should not indulge in the Dakin activity. The pieces were thrown into a ditch and a message was sent to the police station at Dhadgaon that the lady was killed and eaten by a bear.
Such was the condition of the Akrani in those days. So it was a challenge for Janardan Maharaj and Shri Dr. Amritsing Vasave to banish this terrible tradition from their community. Coincidently there was a person who was suffering from Appendix so he always had severe stomach-ache. The family members and he himself believed that the ache is given by any Dakin i.e. witch. Dr. Amritsing Vasave and Janardan Maharaj persuaded them to have an operation for the disease, they would not agree. Then Janardan Maharaj followed the way of the family.
He told them, "I agree with you that it is the work of a Dakin, but this man is a Doctor and he is smarter than the Dakin. He is very clever. He'll take out anything from his stomach that is put by the Dakin."
The family somehow agreed to have an operation. After operation Janardan Maharaj showed the appendix which looked like a bug to the family and the patient himself and said,
"Look this bug was put in your stomach and is now taken out from the stomach by this Doctor. Now tell me who is clever?"
"Doctor", said all of them.

Thus the people of the village started going to the hospital and Doctor whenever they had any disease and the thought and fear of Dakin was automatically banished from the minds of those ignorant people.

Shuddhi Vidhi: Purification

Shuddhi Vidhi: Purification
In old days there were some communities which were unjustly treated as untouchables. Mahar and Bhill communities were regarded to be untouchables. If any Pawara man marries with Bhill woman, the woman must be then purified. After doing the Shuddhi Vidhi the woman would be able to enter in the Pawara family. Once there was a Shuddhi Vidhi at Umrani of the Bhill wife of Gunjarya Pawara who was a watchman at Padalpur when Janardan Maharaj went Talode for further education. Janardan Maharaj was also invited for the programme. There was only one chair at the function. Janardan Maharaj was requested to have it but Janardan Maharaj deliberately denied because he was waiting for someone else. He also observed that there was only one pair of cup and saucer and the tea was to be served. At that time a leader of Mahar community Shri Parmar was going on the way. Janardan Valvi called him to attend the function. Janardan Maharaj offered him the only chair to sit. The leader sat there. The first cup of tea was brought and offered to Janardan Maharaj but he deliberately gave it to the leader. After the leader, every person attending the function was served the tea with the only cup and saucer. They washed the cup and saucer every time but it was touched by the Mahar. After tea Janardan Maharaj pointed out the matter before all of them.
He asked, "Now we all have taken tea in the same cup and saucer that means we all are now polluted. Now let's decide who is going to perform the Shuddhi Vidhi first?"

Now all the dominant and influential persons were confused. Then Janardan Maharaj gave a speech before them. He insisted that god was one and he had not made any discrimination regarding the cast then why should man do like that. From then the custom of Shuddhi Vidhi was discarded and banished from the society.

Public Awareness Programme

Public Awareness Programme:
Janardan Maharaj was working for the awareness of masses. The people living in Satpuda were afraid of every new thing.
The Veterinary Hospital:
There was no veterinary hospital at Dhadgaon. Janardan Maharaj put the problem of the diseases and deaths of the oxen and cows of Adivasis in Satpuda. So after much follow up the hospital for animals was granted and started at Dhadgaon. But no one was bringing the animals to the hospital. The advantage of the facility was not being availed by the local farmers. Janardan Maharaj took some village meetings and he himself brought his own oxen to the hospital to check the health of them. Then he wandered in the market and met the villagers and told them about the facility of the veterinary hospital. People slowly began to bring their cattle to the hospital. They began to bring their animals to the doctor but they would not believe in doctors and hospitals. They used to go to a Pujari i.e. a quack. They also believed in the superstition like Dakin i.e. witchcraft. Janardan Maharaj took village meetings and tried to banish the superstitions from the society. People thought him as saint that is why they called him Maharaj. So the impact of his image in the society was very helpful in this service.

A struggle with the Chieftains

A struggle with the Chieftains:

In those days, the chieftains, the descendants of the kings of old age used to exploit the poor Adivasi people. If they like anybody's hen, ox or wife they would just snatch that from the poor people. They had the power to show. They bullied the Adivasis till they revolted against them. Janardan Maharaj helped people to raise their suppressed voice against them. The chieftains extorted money as the revenue of their fields for they were living in that area. Janardan Maharaj took the side of his poor community brothers and stopped that system. So the chieftains got offended and they thought Janardan Maharaj as their enemy. Janardan Maharaj accepted the antipathy of the chieftains for the sake of the freedom of his brothers.

About a Conflict between Farm Labours and Farmers:

About a Conflict between Farm Labours and Farmers:
Once there was a critical condition in his constituency. The news were coming from everywhere about the struggles of farm labours with their farmers regarding the remuneration and many other things. Janardan Maharaj told to the house about the critical condition of the law and order of the area. But the Home Minister neglected the suggestion. After few days the incident of firing took place at Dhurkheda Tal. Shahada against farm labours. Then the firing was inquired and the question was answered. If the Hon. Minister would have heeded the question cum warning given by Janardan Maharaj, the situation could have been avoided.

Drought of 1952 - 53

Drought of 1952 - 53:
In 1952 – 53 there was drought like circumstance arose in Satpuda. People were dying of hunger. There was no water for men and animals. Animals even could not get food. Janardan Maharaj himself watched the condition of the people. He himself saw that people started eating Dhep, Pend, the oil-cake, i.e. food for animals. Janardan Maharaj felt very sad when he observed the miserable condition of the people.
He asked a question in the Assembly, "People are dying out of hunger. They have started eating oil-cakes. Will the Govt. take any action on it?"
After some days the Minister of the concerned Department replied, "It is the tradition of Adivasis to eat oil-cake. So there is no need to take any action."
Janardan Maharaj was very dejected. He knew that single person cannot do reformation in the system. So he later on selected the way where he alone could make the difference in the lives of his community brothers.The information about the questions asked in the Assembly was to be sent to the concerned minister by the Collector of the District. The Collector informed the minister so. That is why he could answer in that way.

On Police trouble

On Police trouble:
Once there happened a robbery at Rajbardi. The dacoits ran away. Police could not find them, but they caught some innocent people and filed a charge sheet on them. Police took them in Police custody. They tortured a man throughout the night. When the man died, they threw him on the bank of the river. Janardan Maharaj was at Dhadgaon at that time. People came to inform him about the incident. Janardan Maharaj himself went there and asked people to put him in the Police station itself. He knew that he was dead but he pretended to send him to the police station that he was alive and they would send him to the hospital. Then people carried him to the police station and told the policeman that they had made his this condition then they had to send him to the doctor. The Doctor of Govt. Hospital went out on leave, so they send him to the private Doctor. Everything was planned. There was no doctor so there was no one to give death certificate to file a case. But Janardan Maharaj neither feared not daunted the policemen.

Cutting of Mahu Trees

Cutting of Mahu Trees:

Later the liquor problem arose and the State Government ordered the forest department to cut off the mahu trees because wine could be made from its flowers. Janardan Maharaj wrote a letter to the chief minister Shri Morarjibhai Desai complaining that the tree was very useful because oil could be produced from the fruit called, 'Tolambi'. Now the Government ordered that the foresters should cut only Mahu trees, the Tolambi trees must not be cut. Then Janardan Maharaj again wrote to the chief minister that the Mahu tree and the Tolambi tree were one and the same. Then the brutal cutting of Mahu trees was stopped. Only due to Janardan Maharaj nowadays we can see the Mahu trees in Satpuda. He is really an ecologist. He had saved environment by saving the Mahu trees.

Ban on Mahu flowers

Ban on Mahu flowers:
In 1950 the act of prohibition of alcohol and the raw material for making liquor was formed by the Government. So Mahu flowers were also banned. In those days Satpuda desi wine was also made from Mahu flowers. Police department got the chance to penalise people because they knew they would find Mahu flowers in almost every Adivasi family. They filed the cases on some farmers. Janardan Maharaj inquired the situations and then he filed some FIRs against some Police officers.
Janardan Maharaj tried to explain the situation before police other officials and supported the local farmers for whom the Mahu flowers were one of the sources of income. Janardan Maharaj struggled for the masses. Then local authorities decided to fine the people who were keeping more than five kilogram of Mahu flowers. But Janardan Maharaj would not be satisfied of the decision. He wrote a letter to the Chief Minister Shri Morarjibhai Desai. He wrote that Mahu flowers were also used as food when grain was not available. Shri Morarjibhai Desai believed that Mr. J. P. Valvi was always right and he would not give false information. So he lifted the ban of the collection of Mahu flowers. Janardan Maharaj became more popular among the masses only after the ban was lifted.

About the remuneration of Patils

About the remuneration of Patils:
The remuneration of Patils of all villages was called 'Mushaira'. It was stopped from many years by British government. But now India was free and independent country. All the Patils of the villages asked Janardan Maharaj to look into the matter. Janardan Maharaj tried at the primary level, in the collector office. Mr. Lulla was the collector of Dhule. The application was sent to him but the system was so dilly-dallying that he had to raise the question in the Assembly. Shri Tukaram Hurji Gavit always supported him. The hon. Minister of the Department inquired and distributed the Mushaira among the Patils and then answered that the Patils were availing the Mushaira.
At that time, Shri Tukaram Hurji Gavit sub questioned, "Did Patils get Mushaira before or after the complaint?" The Minister smiled and said, "Thanks for bringing this matter into House's consideration." This was his first question asked in the Assembly and was successful. That inspired him to raise many questions about the problems of his community. He raised many questions there and got the permanent solutions for the problems observed by him among his Community.

Works in Assembly

Works in Assembly:

Janardan Maharaj was new in this field. So he only observed the work process of the assembly for a fortnight. Then he started raising the questions about the problems of Adivasis. He and Shri Tukaram Hurji Gavit (an uncle of Hon. minister Dr. Vijaykumar Gavit) fought united in the Assembly for the benefits of Adivasi Community. Janardan Maharaj would ask the main questions and he would ask the sub questions. The combination was just too good.

Meeting with Shri Ramdas Maharaj

Meeting with Shri Ramdas Maharaj:
Shri Ramdas Maharaj of Ranjanpur was the younger brother of Aap Shri Gulam Maharaj. He was very powerful person. All the devotees of Shri Gulam Maharaj were united and loyal to Shri Ramdas Maharaj. Ramdas Maharaj was detained in his house in those days. He was charged of evoking the emotions of the people. But that was the struggle between the followers of Shri Ramdas Maharaj and the wine shop keepers. Shri Ramdas Maharaj was against the drinking wine.
Janardan Maharaj was on election campaign. Once Janardan Maharaj went to his father-in-law and asked him to vote and support him. He was the true follower of Gulam Maharaj and Ramdas Maharaj.
He said, "You are my son-in-law but I'll not vote you. I'll listen to only Ramdas Maharaj. If he says I'll help you, otherwise sorry!"
During his election campaign Janardan Maharaj went to Shri Ramdas Maharaj at Morwad to ask for his support for the election. One of his disciples passed a general comment about the personality of Janardan Maharaj.
He said, "Nowadays, Congress has given its ticket to the persons like scarecrows".
At that time Shri Ramdas Maharaj tried to save the situation.
He said, "The God is going to do everything. Who are we to decide?"
Janardan Maharaj remained silent. He was the man of suitable word at suitable time. The time did not allow him to say anything about that. But when Janardan Maharaj won the election and was MLA.
Shri Ramdas Maharaj invited Janardan Maharaj to honour him for thrice. Janardan Maharaj went there to accept the honour. Shri Ramdas Maharaj was detained at that time. As Janardan Maharaj was the MLA of the Constituency, Shri Ramdas Maharaj needed some help from him. The commentator was also with him. Janardan Maharaj got the opportunity to reply the comment of scarecrow.
Janardan Maharaj assured them modestly, "Why not? I can do at least the work of a scarecrow in a field."
The commentator disciple was ashamed.It was the speciality of Janardan Maharaj to give the same answer to the mischievous questions. Afterwards he helped Shri Ramdas Maharaj and eventually freed him. Janardan Maharaj keeps his words and promises like Ram in Ramayana. The impact of holy books on Janardan Maharaj is so powerful that it had changed his view about life. His determination about the development of Adivasi is as firm as rock.

The first M.L.A. of Akrani

The first M.L.A. of Akrani:
Due to the immense popularity of Janardan Maharaj among his people and in Congress Party, Janardan Maharaj was given the ticket for the first elections held for Combined Maharashtra Assembly. He was given the ticket for the Akrani Constituency. The Constituency was of two combined seats. One for the open candidate and another reserved for S.T. For the open seat Shri Vishram Hari Patil of Patilwadi was given the ticket of Congress party. Janardan Maharaj was given the ticket for his immense work in Adivasi region. There were eight candidates contesting the election. Mr. Jaywantrao Natawadkar was contesting the election on the ticket of Congress for Lok Sabha i.e. Parliament. The area of the constituency of Janardan Maharaj was very vast and there were no roads and vehicles like today. Janardan Maharaj travelled and campaigned on bullock carts. It was not a simple task. The constituency contained Akrani, Akkalkuwa, Talode and Shahada tehsil.

Against Exploitation

Against Exploitation:

In Satpuda life was miserable before and after independence. People from outside Satpuda used to exploit the poor and innocent adivasis. There was a cloth seller from Talode called Javery. He used to give clothes on credit to the people from area of Narmada. Once he demanded his money from an adivasi person. But he was unable to give that. The merchant sat on the back of a person and asked him to climb the hill with the load. The merchant exploited them. Janardan Maharaj knew about that and he filed a suit against the merchant, Javery. He was sent to jail and eventually his shop was closed. Thus, persons who exploited Adivasis started to be scared of Janardan Maharaj. Maharaj became popular due to the writings in 'Yugsandesh'.

Against Corruption

Against Corruption:
He had filed cases against two or three police officers. He had filed a suit against the clerk in the office of Collector. The clerk was delaying in giving the licence renewal of the guns of the adivasis. Janardan Maharaj was told about that. He himself went to Dhule with some farmers and complained against the clerk in anti-corruption department. Mr. P. S. Shukla of anti corruption raided the office. But the Clerk, Mr. Joshi had not taken the money. So the case was not filed but there were some ready licences in his drawer. The Collector himself found those licences. The collector patted Shri Janardan Maharaj for his courage to fight against injustice. So the clerk was reversed and was appointed as talathi at Akrani as punishment. But after some months he was also accused for taking bribe from the farmers. Some farmers knew the incident of Dhule. They used to tell him that they were the relatives of Janardan Maharaj. He feared Janardan Maharaj so he never took anything from them.

Land distribution of Church

Land distribution of Church:

After Independence of India, near about 300 acres of land was held by the Church of Mundalwad. The church would not allow anyone to plough. The acquired the land from the Church. So there was a conflict among European, converted Adivasis and the local residents of the area. Janardan Maharaj filed a case against the European person holding the land of the church. The case resulted on the side of Maharaj and whole the land was distributed among the needy farmers. Thus he believed in justice and he helped others to get it.

Press Reporter of 'Yugsandesh'

Press Reporter of 'Yugsandesh':
Janardan Maharaj was the press reporter of weekly 'Yugsandesh' newspaper which was published at Dhule in those days. Being truth lover he never hesitated to write truth. That made others embarrassing but Maharaj never cared for that.

There was a shop of a European person at Mundalwad. The person was angry with Janardan Maharaj because his land was to be distributed among the poor villagers due to only Janardan Maharaj. Once a villager bought a coconut from the shop but the shopkeeper complained in the village panchayat about him that he had stolen the coconut from the shop. The panchayat fined the villager of Rs.60. Janardan Maharaj was informed about this. He asked the accused person to give him all the information about that in written form. He gave the news to his weekly, Yugsandesh to publish the matter under the heading, 'One Coconut in Rs.60'. The police got offended about the news. They filed a suit against Janardan Maharaj charging him for giving the false news in the newspaper. Maharaj did not fear about the suit. He had the complaint of the accused person in written form. Janardan Maharaj won the case.

Local Board Member

Local Board Member:
He was elected as unanimous Local Board Member from Dhadgaon. After election he trained a person to run the Consumer Stores. After observation of many months he relieved and left the Consumer Stores. He began with the remuneration of Rs.10 per month and when he left his salary was Rs.90. he worked there for so many years. He gave his many valuable years and service to the Consumer Stores. Being the Local Board Member he worked hard for the people and the Congress Party. His works made him more popular not only among his people but also in the workers of Congress Party.

Being a Local Board Member he had given his most service to the masses. He tried to banish the bigar system. His work offended the officers and employees of the newly formed offices. Janardan Valvi would not allow them to indulge in corruption. He was always complaining about the system that is why he was hated by not only the employees but also police officers.

Killing of innocent people near Akrani Fort

Killing of innocent people near Akrani Fort:
Gulam Maharaj was a saint in Adivasi Community from Morwad. Nowadays it is called Ranjanpur Tal. Taloda. He also tried to educate the Adivasi people. He taught the people to be neat and clean. He urged them not to eat the non-vegetarian things. He asked people to remain non addictive. Many people stopped taking wine. Gulam Maharaj taught people to give the respect to the self. He gave the call of 'Aap ki jay ho'. After the death of Gulam Maharaj, his younger brother, Ramdas Maharaj went the same way. He also supported the non-addiction movement. Now there was a conflict between the liquor sellers and these non addictives. The British exiled Shri Ramdas Maharaj with his disciples under the charge of provoking Adivasis and creating riots. Ramdas Maharaj and his disciples were wandering on the banks of Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. The leading Congress leader, Shankar Vinayak Thakar sent a message to Ramdas Maharaj to revolt against the British rule for the freedom of India. They returned from Madhya Pradesh to Akrani Fort in Satpuda. From there he started his work against the British rule.
British soldiers got the tip about the location of Ramdas Maharaj and his disciples. They took the shelter in a vale near the Fort. One battalion of British soldiers was sent to catch Ramdas Maharaj and his disciples dead or alive. They had the guns and these innocent people did not have even sticks. The group of disciples contained men and women devotees. But the cruel soldiers spared nobody. They fired their guns on the innocent running people. They deliberately did not hurt Ramdas Maharaj, because they knew the consequences of that. So they targeted the old men and women who were unable to save themselves. Many people who were fighting against the British rule were shot dead. The dead bodies were brought to Talode in a bullock cart. The bodies were arranged in the cart and thrown out of the cart as if they were fire wood. Janardan Maharaj himself was the witness of the incident of bringing the dead bodies to Talode. Ramdas Maharaj and other leaders were put in the jail. Ramdas Maharaj was placed under house arrest at Morawad in his own house. Later Shri Shankar Vinayak Thakar helped them and they were freed. But those martyrs are still recorded as dacoits.

Due to this incident the local leaders, Shri Jaywantrao Natawadkar of Natawad, Shri Laxman Vedu Valvi of Nalgavan and others blamed Shri Shankar Vinayak Thakar to be the responsible for the incident and the deaths of innocent people. So Nanasaheb Thakar left Nandurbar and the Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal. He gave the charge of the institute to Shri Laxman Vedu Valvi and went to Mumbai.

Revolt against the Bigar System

Revolt against the Bigar System:
From the period of British rule Adivasi is being exploited by all. In those days Adivasi people were asked to work for nothing. A cup of tea was much more for cutting any tree and working for a day. There was a liquor factory at Dhadgaon during the British rule. They always needed the firewood for the boilers and much water. The people who came for the market were used to bring there by the British and compelled to fetch the water from the rivulet or from the well. Woodcutters and sellers were not given the remuneration. Janardan Maharaj fought against this Vethbigar i.e. bonded labour system. He raised his voice and got the support from his people and the exploitation was being banished gradually. He was becoming hero among his people.

Application of Rs.10 or 20:

Application of Rs.10 or 20:

In those days persons who knew how to write an application for any office used to exploit the poor adivasi people. Whenever any illiterate farmer came to write an application they would ask which one to write; of Rs.10 or 20? Now these illiterate farmers thought the application of more money will have more effect so they preferred of Rs.20. But that was a big exploitation and they were cheating the masses. Janardan Maharaj started writing these applications free of cost for the needy and poor persons. He also tried to console the people that the cost of an application will not make any more effect or anything like that. He also tried to persuade the application writers not to take more money but they would not listen to him. So he fought against this system and from then every application was being written in Rs.2 only. But Janardan Maharaj wrote those free of cost for his people.

His entry in Politics

His entry in Politics:
Janardan Maharaj has a multidimensional personality…. a social worker, a leader of masses, an environmentalist saving mahu trees in Satpuda, a social reformer, an educationalist, a humanist thinking about all human being and above all he is a man serving society having complete disregard towards his own family and self. While working in the Consumer Stores at Dhadgaon Janardan Valvi got the opportunity to serve his Adivasi Community. People were giving respect to Janardan Maharaj and having the same from him. In those days the people were not given the apt respect. They were even not allowed to sit in the chair but Janardan Valvi alias Janardan Maharaj put some chairs and the facility of water outside the Consumer Stores. He helped people in many ways. He advised people in agricultural problems and also about any court matters. He had the support of Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal and Shankar Vinayak Thakar and others that is why he made the Consumer Stores as the central place for helping the people. His modest behaviour made the entry directly in the hearts of the masses.

The right of 10 Kg grain

The right of 10 Kg grain:
The dummy cases were being filed on the adivasi labours. When Hon. Ramesh Panya Valvi was a minister, he passed the act about the theft of grain. The act says that if someone finds 10 kg of grain in an Adivasi family that will not be regarded as theft. Janardan Maharaj never believed in such things. He firmly said, "This act is an insult of Adivasis. Few of them are practising theft but most of the Adivasis are very loyal and self-reliant. But this act is very unfortunate for Adivasi Community." Though Janardan Maharaj is revolutionary from his early childhood he never revolted unjustly against anything.

Langoti was sent to the President of India

Langoti was sent to the President of India:
He ran the Consumer Stores so effectively that within a short span of time he was popular among his people. It was the beginning of his Political career. In those days there was a shortage of cotton yarn of No. 12 and No. 20. It was being used to weave langoti i.e. a loin cloth which was largely used in Satpuda. The langoti was very convenient to use. One could easily move among the dense forest wearing it. It was one meter in length and near about eight inches wide piece of cotton cloth. Hindu people wear Kardora i.e. loin string tied around the waist. The langoti was interlocked to the kardora. So the weavers raised the rate of the langoti. The yarns were supplied to the Consumer Stores by the State Government. Janardan Valvi did much follow-up but in vain. India was being newly constructed because it recently got the most awaited Freedom. So much dilly-dallying was there in the official works. Janardan Valvi had great sense of humour and great presence of mind. He wrote a letter to the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad complaining about the shortage of cotton yarn. He sent one langoti to him along with the letter. Who could imagine that a person born and brought up in a community which was depressed for years could do this venture of sending a letter and langoti directly to the President of India? The President replied with a letter assuring the non-stop supply of yarn for langoti. He also put the langoti in the National Cultural Museum of India at New Delhi. The langoti of Satpuda got the highest place at Delhi only due to the efforts of Janardan Valvi.

Janya became Janardan Maharaj

Janya became Janardan Maharaj:

Once Narendra Maharaj went away to see the Chief Minister. But he never returned. After some months Mr. Jagannath Otari, the secretary also left the Consumer Stores. The whole responsibility was now on the shoulder of Janardan Valvi. Janardan Valvi was being called 'Janya' in those days. People started calling as Maharaj or Janya Maharaj, or Janardan Maharaj because the behaviour of Janardan Valvi was like Sadhu, Maharaj. He was non addictive so his behavior was very gentle and living was subtle. His name was Janya in the school but people called him Janardan with respect.

My pen is my property

My pen is my property:
After marriage he brought Mrs. Dwarakabai directly to the home at Dhadgaon. Because all the family members of Janardan Valvi were non-vegetarian and so it was a big problem for Janardan Valvi and his newly married bride. When Mrs. Dwarakabai observed the bachelor Janardan's room, she asked and complained about many things. She complained that they did not have enough utensils and many other household things.
Janardan Valvi told her firmly, "Look Dwaraka, It is now our world. You have to make it heaven with your hands."
She said, "But that needs much money."
Janardan assured her, "I'll bring every possible thing to you."
Then she asked about many things like their home and farms at Mundalwad.
He told her, "Mind one thing, I have only this pen. My pen is my only property. I just don't need the fields or house of my father. If you are ready to live with me, then it is okay, otherwise I'll drop you at your father's home in the morning."
She was observing a new shine in his eyes when he was saying so. She understood and respected Janardan's self-respect and determination. So they lived happily.
Janardan Valvi went to Dhule for the training for the Secretary. Mrs. Dwarakabai also accompanied him. They lived in a room in the mission area of Dhule Church. After some days Motibai, the younger sister of Mrs. Dwarakabai who was abandoned by her husband came to their home to live for some days. After some days as both the sisters were on the river she told Mrs Dwarakabai, "Dwaraka, there can be two sisters in the same house, isn't it?"
Dwarakabai said nothing. She told the matter to Janardan Valvi. He asked Dwarakabai to call her.
He told her, "I am the follower of Gulam Maharaj. I'll not marry you. It is only your wish and I have nothing to do with it."
Then he turned to Dwarakabai, "Do you think I can do it?"
Dwarakabai said, "I'm sure, you are not that kind of man. I was impressed on the very day when you had visited our home first time and told my father about Rama and his promise. I'm sure you'll not break the promise given to me."The sister of Dwarakabai became very sad. But destiny thought another thing. Mrs. Dwarkabai passed away during her first delivery with her son. The father of Dwarakabai had great faith in Janardan Valvi. He proposed Janardan Valvi for his youngest daughter, Motibai. And Janardan Valvi got married again.

Marriage of Janardan Valvi

Marriage of Janardan Valvi:
When Janardan Valvi was working in the Consumer Stores his salary was Rs.10 and afterwards it was Rs.90. Janardan Valvi decided to marry on his own. He asked his father and brothers not to worry about it.
He wanted to marry a girl from a reputed but non addictive family. His parents suggested a family at Ramsala, a small village in Satpuda but Janardan Valvi did not like the family. Then he went to Shri Tukya Patil at Surwani. He was the Patil of the village. There was a nice girl in that family and the family was well reputed. There was a friend of Janardan Valvi at Surwani as a teacher. Janardan told him about that matter and his mind to visit the family to ask for the girl next day. The teacher might have told the matter to the girl so when he went to her house early in the morning she was cleaning her yard. She herself welcomed calling him 'Mama' i.e. maternal uncle. So Janardan Valvi did not say anything about his mind and returned home. By this very act of the girl he understood that she was not ready to marry him. So he left the thought there. There was another family in Surwani which was shown to Janardan Valvi by his cousin Shri Bokha Valvi. The father of the girl and Shri Bokha Valvi came to the Consumer Stores to see Janardan Valvi. He asked them to rest for the night at his room in Dhadgaon. At night both of them drank together and sang the songs or rodalis in a free loud voice. Janardan Valvi did not like the way they behaved. He denied for the marriage.
Then he went to Kundal at Shri Molji Rajya Padvi. Molji Padvi was the follower of Gulam Maharaj. When many innocent people were killed in a valley near Akrani Fort, Molji was with Shri Ramdas Maharaj. The family was very reputed and well-known in the area. He had two daughters named Dwarakabai and Motibai.
Firstly he sent a message by his relative but the response was negative. He was told that Dwarkabai and Motibai were already engaged at Jamli and there was no other girl to be married in their family. Next time he himself went there with a friend to see her father. He had worked in Kundal as teacher in a voluntary school; so the village was not unknown to him. He proposed for her to her father. Her father refused the proposal because he was the true follower of Gulam Maharaj and his teachings about truth.
So he told, "I know your father, Shri Poharyadada and his family and everything. But I am sorry, I have promised someone else".
Janardan Valvi replied modestly, "Never mind. Men have to keep their promises like God Ram. Ram, Laxman are my ideals. Do as you have already promised."
Then he told the story of Seeta Swayamwar i.e. the story of the marriage of Rama and Seeta of Ramayana. He told them about the freedom of ladies of old age to choose their husband of their own.
The thoughts of Janardan Valvi about truth and Ramayan might have impressed Dwarakabai. But the time was not suitable for expression.
After some days Janardan Valvi met the man who was the proposed bridegroom of Jamli and during the discussion about the girl he got the idea that the fellow was not ready to marry with Dwarakabai. Janardan Valvi and his brother went to Kundal again and told them about the views of bridegroom and they proposed again. But the father of the girl told them modestly.
He pleaded, "Yes, that's true that the previous engagement was discarded. But now there are guests from Katri. Shri Dhankya Karbhari has proposed her for his son and I have promised them."
Janardan thought, "…and you are not going to break your promise and that all I know."
Shri Molji Padvi informed again, "Today the guests have come for engagement and I am preparing tea for them."
So this was the tragic event for Janardan Valvi. He thought that it is true, 'man proposes and god disposes.' He removed the thought of marrying Dwarakabai.
After some weeks Shri Dhankya Karbhari of Katri came at the Consumer Stores to buy some sugar. Janardan Valvi asked him about the marriage of his son.
Janardan asked, "When is the marriage of your son with the daughter of Molji Rajya?"
He told, "No way, we are not going to take her to our home because my son has already married some other girl."
Now it was the chance for Janardan Valvi to propose her again. But Janardan did not want to go there again because the time had refused him for twice.
After some days Shri Narasi Moyala Valvi of Dodawa, a teacher by profession and friend of Janardan Valvi came to see Janardan Valvi at the consumer stores. He understood the entire situation. He was the son-in-law of Nawalpur. Nawalpur was one of the united villages of the followers of Gulam Maharaj's teachings. He asked Janardan about the wish of the girl. The husband of elder sister of Dwarakabai from Kundal told them that the girl also wanted to marry him but the father was raising odds in the matter. Now Shri Narasi Moyala Valvi was sure about their marriage. He asked Janardan Valvi to come with him at Kundal. He refused to do so. But he pretended to have some work of his own in another pada of Kundal. So Janardan readily accompanied him.
When they reached the village he told the truth and then went to the house of Shri Molji Rajya Padvi. They both knew each other. After salutation of Gulam Maharaj, 'Aap ki Jay' the friend convinced Molji Rajya and persuaded him to visit Janardan's house and Consumer Stores at Dhadgaon. Then he came to see the house and shop where Janardan was working. And finally he agreed.Now there was a problem regarding marriage. There was no other follower of Gulam Maharaj in Janardan Valvi's family except Janardan. But eventually Janardan Valvi got married with beautiful Dwarakabai at Kundal. The dowry according to the Adivasi Community was Rs.300 not less in those days were given by Janardan Valvi. The marriage expense was shared on 50:50 bases. Thus Janardan Valvi got married on his own.

Story of Rs.1300

Story of Rs.1300:
Once there was a Congress Party Session at Dodawe Tal. Taloda. The Chief Minister of the time, Shri Balasaheb Kher was to come there. So Shri Narendra Maharaj went to attend the session in advance. Shri Janardan Valvi also went there to listen to the speech of the Chief Minister. He had also taken Rs.1300 of the Consumer Stores with him to give to Narendra Maharaj. The money was put in a bundle of old cloth. He put the bundle near the other material of Narendra Maharaj but forgot to handover the money to Narendra Maharaj. When Shri Narasi Chhotu Padvi invited Janardan Valvi to Nalgavan for the night, he went with him readily. But in the morning he was cleaning his teeth and he remembered about the bundle and the money. He ran out of the house from Nalgavan to Dodawe. When he reached there, he saw the bundle intact. Then he gave the money to Narendra Maharaj. In 1946 there was a draught in Satpuda. People had nothing to eat. They were living on the leaves and roots of some plants. Janardan Valvi asked the Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal to assist him in handling the situation. Janardan Valvi proposed to collect grain like mordhan from the rich farmers like Shri Chandya Karbhari (father of Adv. K. C. Padvi, MLA Akrani) of Asali and Heera Karbhari. Janardan Valvi himself took the responsibility of collecting and distributing the grain among the needy. Thus he helped the poor people in their needs.

Consumer Stores at Dhadgaon

Consumer Stores at Dhadgaon:
Janardan Valvi observed that the merchants in Dhadgaon were exploiting the poor, credulous, and innocent native habitants of Satpuda. They had been cheating them in rate and also in weighing. They used to give short weight. Janardan Valvi complained it to the Forest Department. Mr. Najrath was the Ranger of the Forest Department. In those days Ranger was the key person. He had all the rights about the area of whole Akrani. He had to look after the facilities of the people living there. The boarding school was also run by the department where Janardan Valvi took his primary education after he left the school at Mundalwad. The department ousted the merchants from the market. The big problem arose. People could not get the things easily to fulfil the fundamental need of the masses. Mr. Najrath collected one rupee from every land holder of Akrani and with that money he started a Consumer Stores at Dhadgaon. Shri Shankar Vinayak Thakar and Mr. Najrath knew each other. Mr. Najrath knew about the works of Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal. So the Consumer Stores was given to Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal to run and Janardan Valvi was appointed as the Secretary of the Stores in 1946. Mr. Najrath also suggested Shri Thakar to register the Stores under Society Act. So the Consumer Stores was registered and was to be audited. Shri Janardan Valvi did not know how to write the accounts and all the books. But the audit of it taught him everything. Later he was sent to Nashik for the training for the management of the Stores. Janardan Valvi could write the accounts of the Stores but there was a senior clerk cum Secretary, Mr. Jagannath Otari. So he worked under him. Narendra Birari was wearing the dress of Sadhu, a priest. He was called Narendra Maharaj. He was a good person. He had friendship with many leading Congress Leaders. Shri Nanasaheb Thakar appointed him as the Director of the Consumer Stores. The committee of the Consumer Stores consisted of many Directors. The Consumer Stores was under the Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal but the Ranger of Akrani was also as a Director of it.

His Oath of Social Service

His Oath of Social Service:

Nanasaheb Thakar was the founder member of executive committee of Pashchim Khandesh Bhill Seva Mandal, Nandurbar. His companions were Jaywantrao Natawadkar, Shrikantbhai and others. When Janardan Valvi was in the boarding at Dhule, he was helped by the institution and Mr. Shankar Vinayak Thakar. The position of Nanasaheb Thakar in the heart of Janardan Valvi was like his teacher, guide because he showed the way to the Social Service. Janardan Valvi wanted to enter in Bharat Sevak Samaj founded by Thakkar Bappa i.e. Amritlal Viththaldas Thakkar. Mr. Nanasaheb Thakar arranged the oath taking ceremony of Janardan Valvi. A meeting was held at Dhadgaon in 1945. The president of the meeting was himself Mr. Nanasaheb Shankar Vinayak Thakar. Janardan Valvi read out the oath loudly to the people who were present there in thousands of number. The function of swearing was so grand and majestic that people started talking about the Gandhiism. Gandhi and his thoughts dazzled the minds of Adivasis of Satpuda. The description of Gandhi and his works can be found in the folk songs of the community. The main source for the entertainment for the mass was Rodali i.e. folk songs.
The oath of Bharat Sevak Samaj written by Gopalkrishna Gokhale on 6th July 1914 was taken by Janardan Valvi was as follows.

Oath of Social Service:

1. The thought about my country will have first preference in my mind. Whatever good in me will be devoted to my country.

2. While serving the nation I will not try to get benefit by any means.

3. I will regard all Indians as my brothers and sisters. I will not discriminate anybody on the basis of religion and caste. I will work for the betterment of everybody.

4. I will be satisfied on the provisions made by the Bharat Sevak Samaj for the livelihood of me and my family. I will never try to get more money for myself.

5. I will live my personal life untainted.

6. I will not be indulged in personal quarrels and disputes.

7. I will look after the goodwill of the institution according to the objectives of the Bharat Sevak Samaj. I will do everything that is helpful for the progress of the institution. I will not work against the aims and objectives and against the resolutions of Government.

After meeting the feast was arranged. Every person attending the meeting was invited to eat. But Nanasaheb Thakar and Janardan Valvi caught the opportunity of social service for social reform on the very first day of the ceremony. In those days Harijan / Mahar community was treated as untouchable by other communities. The people from all communities sat and ate together in that meeting. There was only one chair for Mr. Shankar Vinayak Thakar. All the leaders, Patils and Karbharis sat together on the ground. It suggested that all the men are alike. Nobody is superior or inferior to anybody. The persons from Mahar community served the food in the feast. Thus it was a good omen for the future of Janardan Valvi's Social Service.

Entry in Social Service

Janardan Maharaj in not merely a personality who worked for the betterment of his community, but he is a thought process, a revolution. This revolution has not been stained with blood. He never supported the repression though in those days he could have done that.
Entry in Social Service:
His entry in social service was not by sheer chance. It was destined to him. He is born to serve the society. After the diploma in agriculture he got a letter of appointment for the post of Field Officer in 1945. He took the letter to Nanasaheb Thakar at Talode. Nanasaheb was sitting in the chair. Janardan went to him and took out the letter of appointment from his pocket. He handed over the letter to Shri S. V. Thakar. Nanasaheb read the letter. It was for the post of Agricultural Field Officer. It was a nice job with good salary.
Janardan said, "I promised you to come to you when I get the letter of job."
Nanasaheb Thakar asked, "What will you do after getting this letter? You will accept the job and marry a beautiful girl and look after only your family, isn't it?"
Janardan was confused. He did not understand what to say. He remained silent.
Nanasaheb continued, "You will look after your family but who will look after your community which is depressed and exploited by the society and the British? If men like you turn a deaf ear towards your people, the conditions of their living will not change. They all are waiting there for you." Janardan Valvi tore the letter of job before him and decided not to accept Govt. job. He decided to take oath of Social Service.