I was on my visit to India after a gap of 4 years.. while leaving for India, I had decided that I would visit the home of the brave mumbai police officer - "Late Shri Tukaram Ombaleji" in Mumbai. I also wanted to hand over a letter ( paying tribute) from HSS ( Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh - an organization where I do volunteering in USA) to his family.
After vising the great Martyrs place, I felt it was necessary to share my experience with others and hence created this blog - "Ombale.blogspot.com" in honour of the real Hero. This is my first ever posting on the net. Please bear with my English and grammatical mistakes.
For those who do not know who was "Shri Tukaram Ombale" and why did he give the ultimate sacrifice, please visit below links -
http://www.rediff.com///news/2008/dec/22mumterror-tukaram-omble-deserves-an-ashok-chakra.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tukaram_Omble
After getting down at Dadar station, I boarded a taxi (cab) to "Worli Police quarters" - the place where Tukaram used to live. After arriving at Worli police quarters, I was not able to find the building "D", hence I asked a local Panwallah ( the Indian Standard way and 99% reliable way of asking for address) about Ombaleji's place. The guy quickly pointed me towards a big banner 100 feet ahead - which was put up for honouring Shri Ombaleji. I asked the Taxi guy to drop me near the banner. Before I left the taxi, the taxi guy remarked - "So this is Ombaleji's place" ?, I said Yes.
As I was taking my steps towards the building - thousand thoughts started running in my mind - about the great ultimate sacrifice which Tukaram gave, about his family and what should I say when I meet his family.
As I entered his apartment, I was greeted by neighbouring teenage boy. As soon as you enter on the left side of the apartment was a small wooden table which was covered with cloth. On that table was a garlanded potriat of Shri Ombaleji. A lamp ( diya) was lit and glowing and paying tribute to the hero. On the table there were various bravery awards received by the late Tukaram family from various organizations.
I was not able to meet "Tara Ombale" ( widow of late Tukaram) as she had gone to Delhi to receive the "Ashok chakra" awarded posthumously to Tukaram on 26th January.
I paid my humble tribute to Shri Tukaram by folding my hands and bowing my head. As I started to explain the purpose of my visit, being the kind of emotional person I am, I choked up and was in tears - remembering the great sacrifice of Shri Tukaram Ombaleji. After a brief pause and wiping my tears, I continued and introduced myself and handed over the tribute letter to them.
I also met Shri Tukaram's friend - One Mr Ashok Fatak ( not sure if thats the name). He and Mr Ombale had joined the Police force together - started training together. While speaking about Ombale - he said he was a very Happy going - jovial type of person. He never considered that he had four daughters and always treated them as sons and gave all four of them good education. ( A sharp contrast to the fact that still many EDUCATED and RICH families (mostly in Gujarat and Punjab) get their girl child aborted - forget about treating them equal).
Two older daughters of Ombaleji are married while two younger ones are college going. I left the place and felt as if I have done one of the most important pilgrimages in my life - better than having lunch with Shahrukh khan / Dhoni and so called REEL life heroes. With all these marketing stunts like contests going on like "Send a SMS to have lunch with Hrithik / meet Akshay kumar .." blah blah blah.... would there be ever a contest like -
"Send a SMS and pay tribute to a REAL HERO" ???.
With this I am ending my first ever blog. Please excuse me in case of any mistakes.
P.S - On behalf of HSS, We are also planning to donate some money to the family of Ombale. I have noted down their bank account numbers and will be sending money directly to the bank accounts. Those who wish to donate and need the details - pls contact at - milind dot makwana (at) gmail or vdeolalikar [at] comcast DOT net.
Update ( Feb 16 2009) - On Feb 10 2009, approximately $2000 was remitted to Bharati Ombale - daughter of Shri Tukaram Ombale. Below is a copy of the confirmation email
from Remit2India about the donation.
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From: Remit2India
Subject: RE:'TOML=004-343-649' Re: Funds Will be Delivered to you
To: (removed for security reasons)
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 1:06 AM
Dear Vinay Deolalikar ,
Thank you for writing to us.
With regards to your e mail we would like to inform you that we have spoken to Ms Vaishali Omble and confirmed the completion of your remittance reference number : 1024265015XXX .
For the security of your account information and in your interest, we earnestly request you to communicate with us only through your registered e mail address.
Should you need any clarifications, e mail us at info@remit2india.com
Thank you for your continued patronage and support.
Assuring you of our best services always.
Warm Regards,
Anupam Guria
Remit2India Team
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Those who wish to go for the pilgrimage - pls note down the address below -
Tara Ombale
Worli Police camp
Bldg B/17, Room no 15, 3rd Floor,
Sir Pochkanwala road, Worli, Mumbai - 30
How to reach there - Board a Western Express train going to "Churcgate" and get down at Dadar. Go to Dadar west and board a taxi - asking for "Worli Police quarters on pochkanwala road".
Photo courtesy - Rediff.com /A Ganesh Nadar
