PANCHAMUKHI SADGURU

SHRI  PANT MAHARAJ

ASATEACHER

Shri Pant Maharaj (Datta) decided not to go in for higher study knowing the financial condition of his family. First, he got a clerk’s job in a government office; but he could not continue it; because the absurd way of working, dubious dealings, bribary and all false irritating functions did not suit him. So, he applied for a teacher’s job in London Mission school. He did not get the job. So, he took up teacher’s job in Marathi school with salary of Rs.12 per month. Rev. Smith of London Mission school - when he came to know that his school student is working in Marathi school - it did not please him. He took Datta as a teacher offering him Rs. 20 per month salary.

Thus, in 1880, Dattopant Balekundrikar became a teacher in London Mission school, where he learnt for 8 years and passed Matriculation. At that time a teacher had to teach almost all the subjects to different standards. What he learnt from his mentor, Mr. Khot teacher, he faithfully followed and served as an ideal teacher for almost 23 years. He sincerely taught the subjects and helped each and every student. He helped his co-teachers also. He could take their classes, when they had some problems.

He was an extraordinary teacher. Students as well as his co-teachers liked him very much. Being simple and noble person he always adjusted even with the office staff of the school. Pant excelled as a teacher not only in teaching subjects but also systemising the fundamentals of education and attaining academic excellence. He was honoured always by students and colleagues. Even the school management adored him for his formidable knowledge and compassionate attitude towards students and others. He served from 1880 to 1903. Many students passed and after studies got higher posts; but none of them ever forgot their only one affectionate and humble teacher. He was always busy either in correcting the note-books or in solving the difficulties of some students. In his free periods he could help the office staff also.

In 1881-82 his brothers and cousin brother came to Belgaum for education. So, Datta had to shift to bigger place. He stayed in Mr. Gokak’s compound on rental basis along with his brothers. In the following years the house of Datta almost slowly transformed into Gurukul. Wherever he stayed that place became almost Annachhatra and Vidyadan Graha for distressed, helpless, poor, orphans, devotees, relatives and wards. Even in the house Datta had a regular and rigid schedule and format. He used to get up at 5 a.m. to wake up inmates. He helped them to fill up water, to make water hot, to see that all the inmates and others could take bath. Each and every one had to perform Sadhya Vandan, Namasmaran, Pooja and physical exercise. Datta in the morning also did correct the homework of the students and inmates and also helped his brothers in the daily choir.

In the year 1882 he married Shri Padmama’s daughter Yamunakka, who was just like Mahalaxmi, Mata Sakshat Annapurna Devi. Datta as a strict disciplirian had laid down rigid rules to be followed by each and every member of Pant Wada. Datta as a teacher insisted on physical fitness doing Suryanamaskar, Yogasan on regular basis. Datta used to take lunch at 10 a.m. before going to school along with all his inmates in one Pangat. There was no discrimination or favouritism. Promptly few minutes to 11 he could start to school and took many of the inmates along with him. He usually returned from school at 5-30 p.m. Again he used to solve difficulties and correct the homework. An ardent, untiring teacher all the way, he started coaching class of Mathematics to meet the financial need.

In the year 1886 his father left for heavenly abode. So, full responsibility of household of Balekundri also fell on Datta’s shoulder. He did well with support of all his brothers and the understanding life partner Sau. Yamunakka.

Datta was very knowledgeable of almost all subjects. He used to read almost many books of different languages. He was very conversant with literature, spiritual texts and epics and even the righteous scripts. He could guide and discourse on different subjects. In the school he was very honest and attentive teacher. In the house also he was ardent and formidable teacher.

In the year 1891 Gopalrao after passing B.A. examination, he started working in collector’s office. In the year 1893 Vamanrao passed L.L.B. and started practicing Law in Belgaum only. In the year 1894 Shankarrao and Narasinharao passed B.A. and L.L.B. and started practice. After seeing all his brothers well settled he decided to resign and finally in 1903 June he resigned and further fully devoted himself to Avadhoot Sampraday.

Academic teaching work got over Adhyatmic teaching activity continued which was his humble mission, not only just as a teacher or preceptor but as an individual full of pure love and pure mind, dignity, compassion did a lot to the mankind. Society and people adored him in many ways. Many thronged and could come to him to get their difficulties solved, some for guidance, many for getting blessed and for salvation.

He remained unique, always ready to be of some help in whatever way be, to others.

– Naresh Dharwadkar

                    

¨ÉÖJÉ{ÉÞ¹`öõ