Page:Sharad Joshi - Leading Farmers to the Centre Stage.pdf/94

 Joshi was also involved in the community life at Chakan and around. His local circle began with Appasaheb alias Prahlad Rangnath Deshmukh and Babubhai Shah. Both had shops repairing bicycles, which was the main mode of transport in the area. Deshmukh later started the business of manufacturing and repairing diesel pumps. He was a competent mechanic and known as ‘fitter Deshmukh’. First diesel pump on Joshi’s farm well was purchased from him. Later Deshmukh also developed fabrication business. Biogas plant and storage shed in Joshi’s farm was also constructed by Deshmukh. Babubhai progressed even further. He started a petrol pump, car service centre and a cold storage. When Joshi started cultivating potatoes, he started stocking them in that cold storage. Shyam Pawar from Mhalunge, a social worker, became a close colleague. One of the earliest doctors in Chakan, Dr Avinash Argade also became a personal friend and helped Joshi in case of medical needs and also supported Joshi in his struggle. Mandap contractor Gopalsheth Jagnade, social worker Ramrao Minde and many others also became part of Joshi’s local circle. They also helped in the farmers’ movement which Joshi led later. Babubhai Shah also introduced Joshi to another person who played a leading role in the area. His name was Dattatrey Bhikoba alias Mama Shinde. In his appearance and attitude he resembled renowned social worker from Maharashtra called Sane guruji and Mama Shinde was in fact known in the vicinity as ‘another Sane guruji’. He was in charge of the local branch of Rashtra Seva Dal and highly respected by all for his dedication. Some unexpected developments were taking place at the national level while Joshi was fully immersed in his farm activities. On 23 January 1977, the same month in which Joshi bought the farm, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared elections. Emergency was lifted and opposition leaders imprisoned for previous 18 months were set free. Results were Hands in Soil

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