The ‘shravan’ act: Pune businessman books 2 trains, sponsors pilgrimage of 500 people

As the world sulks in hatred and violence where we are almost on the verge of losing compassion and kindness, a man proved that humanity still exists.

A Pune-based businessman Shivdas Manohar Ubale set the bars high when he sponsored a trip to Varanasi of 500 pilgrims five years ago, according to an Indian Express report.

Ubale, who decided to sponsor thousands of pilgrims to Kanyakumari, Madurai and Rameswaram this year, booked two trains for those who couldn’t afford.

The two trains, which had 20 coaches each, left from Khadki station in Pune on August 15 and August 16. At least 2,000 passengers travelled for the week-long journey along with Ubale and wife Vasundhara.

The process of administering the plan was a long one. For two months before the pilgrimage, Ubale issued advertisements about the trip through pamphlets and hoardings. Initially, he only planned to book one train but, however, as the demand got higher, he had to book another train.

A database of the passengers’ details including their names, addresses and contact numbers were prepared.

On the day of the auspicious journey, 40 buses were arranged for their pickup from places likes Wagholi, Ubalenagar, Wagheshwar Nagar, Wadalevasti and were dropped at the Khadki station.

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