‘Anand Aashram’ started by late senior and one of the most popular Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe, is now in an isolated, neglected condition. When Anand Dighe was in active politics and social work, his Anand Aashram was always filled with so many people. There was upheaval of people till 4 o’clock in the morning. Everyone used to come with their problems, and used go back with a smile on his/her face. Dighe used to take Janta darbar in this aashram and every poor person used to get justice.
But this picture has now been disappeared. After the death of late Anand Dighe, there is complete silence in the ‘Anand Ashram’. The Corporators, MLA or the other party leaders are rarely seen visiting this place. Therefore ‘Anand Ashram’ is doused.
Pratap Sarnaik, MLA, Shiv Sena
Over the period of time, Thane has changed and also the leaders. Earlier there was only one MLA & MP in Thane but now four MLAs & MPs are there. Everyone has different working pattern, they seats in their own offices and meet people over there only. But this doesn’t mean that we do not pay visit to ‘Anand Ashram’, whenever there are programs in Tembhi naka area, we must go and remember our beloved Dighe Ji. Our immense love for respected Balasaheb Thackeray & Anand Dighe Ji will never be reduced. Minister Eknath Shinde also visits as and when he gets time from his busy schedule.
When contacted, MSRDC Minister Eknath Shinde, he was not available to comment. “After becoming minister he doesn’t get time but at-least two to three times in a week he must go to ‘Anand Aashram’, said office staff of Cabinet Minister Eknath Shinde. When Eknath Shinde was not a minister; everyday he used to visit Anand Dighe’s aashram between 2.30 pm to 6 pm and 11 pm to 2 pm and addresses people’s various issues.
Every Sunday holds party meetings in Anand Aashram – Naresh Mhaske, House Magistrate, Thane Municipal Corporation.
The love for Anand Dighe Saheb will always remain in our heart. Every Sunday I go there and take party meetings. Everyone has independent offices in their respective ward so one cannot say that everyone is purposely taking separate Janta Darbar.
After the accidental death of Dighe, everyone is now running their own Janta Darbar in Thane. Recently on the occasion of ‘Guru Pornima’, Shiv Sena workers had rushed to Dighe’s place. However, the common party workers were not seen on this occasion too. So visiting ‘Anand Aashram and taking Dighe’s blessing on the occasion of Guru Pornima, has remain just a formality, said some old Shiv Sena leaders and party workers.
Anand Dighe died on August 26, 2001. His sudden death is still a debatable topic in the state, but the entire Maharashtra was in a major shock with the news of his death. 17 years have passed since this incident of his death, but not only Shiv Sena workers but even the people of Thane cannot forget his memories. Anand Dighe had created his impact not only in Thane but all over the state. ‘Anand Ashram’ at Tembhinaka was like a temple of justice not only for Shiv Sainik but also for common citizens of Thane. Every person who came in the Anand Ashram with problems came out with the smile of satisfaction. However this picture is now completely disappeared.
Only few loyal Shiv Sena party workers visit Anand Aashrm. Anand Dighe promoted many leaders who later became Corporators, MLA, MP, and Minister. For common people of Thane Dighe was not less than a God. But party leaders seem to have forgotten him. Only during the election period uses his name to gain votes. They hardly visit his Aashram. There were many social activities were started by Dighe, it also has stopped now. No leader seems to have interested in continuing his good work for society, said Dighe’s loyal followers.
In the 90’s Dighe worked hard to nurture Shiv Sena in Thane district. He worked from grassroots level and made biggest empire for Sena in Thane. From ‘Anand Ashram’ he made reached to every common man of Thane and made Shiv Sena so powerful that till date no one could beat Sena in Thane. But now Shiv Sena leaders have forgotten Dighe’s Anand Ashram, said disappointed senior Shiv Sena workers.
