By Jayabhadra Devi Dasi
September 2 is a great day. It’s the appearance day of Maharashtra Padayatra leader Damodar-lila Dasa, who has dedicated his life to the service of padayatra. He is a mahatma in padayatra, meaning he always keeps thinking about the welfare of padayatra and how to do more in padayatra.
September 2 is also the birthday of the All India Padayatra, inaugurated in Dwaraka on this date in 1984. It is surely the Lord's arrangement that padayatra and such a significant padayatri were born on this day. Having begun his service journey in Tirupati with the All India Padayatra in 2009, Damodar-lila rendered premium vegetarian cooking seva for seven years with the AIP, and since then has continued to commit himself wholeheartedly to the service of padayatra.
He was trained under AIP leader Acarya Dasa. Keeping in mind his qualities, and that he belongs to Maharashtra, in 2019 he was made leader of the Maharashtra Padayatra, taking on this responsibility with fervent enthusiasm. He is an excellent leader who takes care of all the padayatris, as well as being very humble and submissive. Whether it is walking thousands of kilometers, serving prasadam to devotees, driving the tractor or managing the various padayatra responsibilities, his spirit in every seva has always been truly inspiring.
Every year since he has taken over Maharashtra Padayatra, he and his team actively participate in the Pune-Pandharpur Dindi. From 2009 until today, this journey has been much more than a padayatra; it has been one of unwavering support for the mission of Srila Prabhupada, as well as his spiritual master, Lokanath Maharaja.
On behalf of the ISKCON Padayatra Ministry, we express our heartfelt gratitude for Damodar-lila’s tireless contribution to the padayatra movement. May Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundar and Srila Prabhupada bless him with excellent health, long life, strength, and ever-increasing attachment to continue serving their mission.
Heartiest birthday wishes, HG Damodar-lila Prabhuji.
