Ashadhi Wari 2026: ‘Serving Warkaris is Serving Lord Vitthal,’ Says Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol as Symbiosis Launches Mobile Medical Clinic

Pune, 8th July 2026: Describing the annual Ashadhi Wari as one of Maharashtra’s richest spiritual and cultural traditions, Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that serving Warkaris on their pilgrimage to Pandharpur is akin to serving Lord Vitthal.

“Every year, lakhs of Warkaris carrying the Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj undertake the journey from Dehu and Alandi to Pandharpur while chanting the name of Lord Vitthal. It is a matter of great satisfaction to serve these pilgrims who walk this long distance on foot. Serving tired Warkaris is the same as serving Lord Pandurang,” Mohol said.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Mobile Medical Clinic for Warkaris, jointly organised by Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), and the Smt. Sheela Raj Salve Memorial Trust to coincide with the departure of the Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj for Pandharpur.

The programme was held at Symbiosis Vishwabhavan on Senapati Bapat Road in the presence of Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Municipal Commissioner Navalkishore Ram, Nilesh Nikam, Adv. Avinash Salve, Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Founder and President of Symbiosis, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director of Symbiosis and Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), former MLA Ulhas Pawar, Mohan Joshi, Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar, Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor of SIU, Dean Shashidhar, and other dignitaries.

Mohol said the Wari had begun in an atmosphere of devotion, with lakhs of devotees from across Maharashtra participating in the annual pilgrimage. He noted that several organisations in Pune contribute to the welfare of Warkaris every year.

“This initiative reflects a deep sense of social responsibility that extends beyond education. It ensures that pilgrims who endure heat, rain, hunger and fatigue during their spiritual journey receive timely medical care and assistance,” he said.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure praised the initiative, saying it has been serving the Warkari community with dedication for the past 26 years.
“The commitment to serving Warkaris is truly commendable and inspiring. Providing medicines and healthcare to ease the hardships faced by pilgrims is nothing less than serving Lord Pandurang. The Pune Municipal Corporation is also making extensive arrangements to facilitate the Wari,” she said.

Symbiosis Founder and President Dr. S.B. Mujumdar said thousands of Warkaris from across Maharashtra gather at Alandi and Dehu before proceeding to Pandharpur.

“Getting an opportunity to serve them is a blessing from Lord Pandurang. For students from other states and countries, participating in this initiative is a deeply enriching experience. Such activities help inculcate compassion and social responsibility alongside academic learning,” he said.

Introducing the initiative, Adv. Avinash Salve said the service began in 2001 with a single ambulance.

“This year, the initiative has expanded to include 10 fully equipped ambulances, motorcycle ambulances, and a dedicated team of more than 300 doctors, nurses and volunteers. They will provide first aid, pain management, essential medicines, emergency medical assistance and other healthcare services throughout the pilgrimage. We are committed to ensuring that this service to Warkaris continues uninterrupted for generations,” he said.

Former MLA Ulhas Pawar described the Wari as a confluence of devotion, knowledge and renunciation.

“Serving the Warkaris who undertake this spiritual journey is itself an act of worship. It is heartening that these two institutions have been carrying out this humanitarian initiative with dedication for the past 26 years,” he said.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar described the Wari as an outstanding example of discipline, organisation and self-management. She encouraged students not only to participate in the pilgrimage but also to study its various dimensions.

“The Wari offers valuable lessons in management, planning, cleanliness, social harmony and community participation,” she said.

The dignitaries expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to strengthen healthcare support for the Warkari community and ensure timely medical assistance throughout the pilgrimage.

The programme was compered by Revati Pathak, while Sudhir Darode proposed the vote of thanks.