Kashinath Joshi: Sacrificed All The Comfort to Serve His Nation

Nothing is more inspiring and greater than someone who step out of their comfort to make life comfortable for others. Serving as a Yoga Teacher at AIU University in Australia for five years and living a joyful life with his family, Kashinath Joshi never lost his connection with his motherland and his people. This deep rooted connection, compassion and the love for the nation could not hold him back in Australia for long time. Despite of all the material comfort, opportunities and prosperity in Australia, he chose to return back to his homeland to serve his people.

Kashinath Joshi was Born in an aristocratic family in Joginiya village of Saptari district on 26^th April, 1940. He was the eldest son of father Late Danbahadur Joshi and mother Late Ganesh Kumari Joshi . Unlike other children, Joshi was spiritually inclined,  generous, humble and ethical by nature from very tender age. He was born in the era when even an access to the primary education was far-flung for many. He graduated in Economics from Bihar University, India in 1962. He served as a Research Officer for Center for Economic Development and Administration till 1968.

The best way to find yourself Is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Mahatma Gandhi

Kashinath Joshi always knew that education is an essential human virtue and unless people are educated , it is almost impossible to overcome the problems of society. Growing up in his village Joshi had an opportunity to closely experience the miseries of the poverty-stricken people due to the lack of education. The hardship of the people left deep impression in him. This inner spark was so strong that all the material prosperities, facilities and opportunities appeared insignificant and tasteless before it. Hence, he returned back to his birth place to serve his people. His selfless effort opened the door of quality education for many underprivileged children.

Though being in his 8Os, the zeal of Kashinath Joshi towards the empowerment of indigent doesn’t seem to fade any sooner. He still has unlimited enthusiasm for the education and happiness of humanity. To ensure the reach of quality education for many underprivileged children he initiated and made major contribution in establishing four schools in his hometown: Durga National Primary School, Bantore Primary School, Gorpar Primary School and Baba Bankhandi Gurukul. Baba Bankhandi Gurkul is one of the most important ambitious project of Kashinath Joshi.

Bankhandi Gurukul School is a Sanskrit school established in 2072BS in Trihut Gupalika, Saptari District. The school is situated in the premises of historical and cultural heritage site of Baba Bankhandi Temple (Bheriya Math). The school was established by Mr. Kashinath Joshi with an objective to form an institution to fill the gap of  moral, ethical, spiritual values in modern education along with preserving and protecting the divine culture and tradition. In the Gurukul around 30 underprivileged children, irrespective to their caste and race, from the backward community learn in close proximity of a teacher, where greater emphasis is laid on students mental, cognitive, spiritual and physical wellness. Education, accommodation , food, clothes, education materials etc. are free in the gurukul. The gurukul is run on the donations offered by individuals, national and international organizations. The Gurukul is the dream project of Joshi. It was established with the vision to achieve the university status and to serve thousands along with preserving our ancient culture, tradition and to produce moral citizens.

In order to improve the life standard of people of backward community in his village, Joshi established a non-governmental organization called Sarbodaya Gramin Bikash Sangh (Currently known as Sarbodaya Nepal) in 1993. The organization has run more than fifty coaching sessions so far to educate the adults and the old aged people who never got chance to attend school. And to minimize the burden of unemployment the organization has run various skill development training workshops in the field of agriculture, handicraft etc.

Several time during natural calamities, Kashinath Joshi revived the ray of hope for many affected being . Joshi’s efforts in resettling the flood victims is praiseworthy. He incorporated with various individuals and organizations to collect support for the wellbeing of the victims. From reconstructing and constructing houses to feeding hundreds of them during calamity and organizing free health camps to minimize the probable health hazards is the reflection of his humanitarian instinct.

Awarded by many honorable awards, Kashinath Joshi is living his life like a saint away from his family. He has decided to dedicate every second of his life for the wellbeing of others. His life is an ideal example of Simple living, High thinking along with Higher order of service to the humanity. Kashinath Joshi’s effort to improve the life of many is laudable. Even at the age of 80, his dream for better society doesn’t seem to let him retire any sooner. We pay him homage for his selfless service.