PHILIPPINES/INDIA: SPIRITUAL LEADER PRESENTED WITH COVETED AWARD скачать в хорошем качестве

PHILIPPINES/INDIA: SPIRITUAL LEADER PRESENTED WITH COVETED AWARD

(1 Sep 1996) Hindi/English/Nat An Indian spiritual leader with more than 2 (m) million followers was presented with the coveted Ramon Magasysay Foundation award for rural development in Manila on Saturday. 76 year-old Shastri Athavale has saved hundreds of Indians from poverty through a social development program. His word has spread to 18 Indian states from a movement formed 42 years ago as he traveled the countryside with a message of equality. Formal recognition for a man that millions of Indians already consider a saint. Shastri Athavale was bestowed with the prestigious Ramon Magasysay Foundation award for rural development in Manila. He was one of five award recipients. In the past such notables as Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama have received the same honor. Award organizers said they felt confident about giving the award because he enjoys a clean record. SOUNDBITE: (English) "In confirming the award on me, you have appreciated the importance and relevance of my philiopshy in the modern times, and the selfless work carried by Swadhyayees the world over." SUPER CAPTION: Pandurang Shastri Athavale, Spiritual Leader There's no question he was worthy of the honour if you ask any one of his (m) millions of devoted followers. Every morning children of all backgrounds, regardless of caste or creeds, come to this temple to pray side by side. Until recently, scenes like this one would have been unimaginable. India's caste system has traditionally nourished sharp divisions within society, divisions which have bred distrust and often conflict. But today these villagers and hundreds of thousands of others venerate a man who has taught them to put aside their differences and live in harmony. At 76, Pandurang Shastri Athavale, or Dadaji as he's known, is venerated as a living saint. A spiritual leader with more than two (m) million followers, he's allegedly saved hundreds of thousands from poverty, reformed criminals and organised village volunteer groups. His devotees, thousands of whom gather every Sunday in Bombay to hear him speak, say he's changed their lives. SOUNDBITE: (HINDI) "Before Dadaji came, the village was full of criminals. Everyone was drinking and stealing from each other. People treated each other badly and we were divided by caste and religion. Now we live in Harmony." SUPERCAPTION: Village leader Athavale's movement was formed in 1954 - today, his word has spread to 18 Indian States. Independent observers say his followers regularly perform extraordinary acts of charity. Impoverished peasants have been known to work in their neighbour's fields for free and Hindus have give money to needy Muslims. Most of all, however, Athavale's programme encourages the formation of collective farms which have brought prosperity. SOUNDBITE: (MARATHI) 'We work together putting our resources and sharing our fruits. We used to be very poor, but now we are making more money. He has shown us the way and deserves recognition." SUPERCAPTION: Fisher Woman He enjoys a cult status that continues to spread across India and even in the United States and Europe. Sceptics will no doubt shy from a movement that venerates one individual so openly. In the past, similar Indian spiritualists have been unmasked as frauds. But independent observers say Athavale is not trying to enrich or glorify himself. And for these villages, at least Athavale's philosophies do appear to have brought about a change for the better. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...