Professionals too a part of religious fervour

PUNE: If you thought that a wari was just for warkaris, these 155 professionals would beg to differ. While some joined the spiritual walk from Alandi to Pune for the first time this year, others had taken part in the palkhi for five years in a row. The professionals, most of whom belong to the IT sector, are called 'IT Dindee' and are dedicated to spreading the message of environment conservation during the journey.The group also plans to distribute medicines and essentialcommodities to warkaris who may need them during their journey toPandharpur."We have been participating in the procession to learnthe art of devotion and study our culture and tradition," said Rajesh Patil, oneof the participants. "Some members of our group plan to travel with the palkhito Pandharpur. On the journey, they will interact with warkaris on issues likehealth awareness and social bonding."According to Patil, there hasbeen an increasing response to this initiative in the last couple of years. Lastyear, there were just 55 participants which increased to 155 this year,including six foreigners. Most participants are young, he said."Participation in the wari procession is a way to connect with thecommon man, particularly those from rural India," said Kedar Gadgil. "We rarelyget a chance to meet such people in our day-to-day dealings, as most of our workis restricted to cities. He said that the group is not just restricted to ITprofessionals but that other people too had been joining in. Another participant, Sanjay Kulkarni said, "People from all walks of life participate in the procession. They participate on their own. We must appreciate the efforts." Kulkarni said the group started with just four people. In the lastfive years, it has acquired at least 150 members. It has reached to150 participants in last five years. There is a plan to expand the activities inyears to come.