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| YOGACHARYA KHOKAN BABA |
Khokan Saha was born (1956) in a respectable family of Dhubri, Assam. And in a term endearment, he was given the name 'Khokan'. But alas, in his very childhood days he was struck by the dreadful disease. At the age of 15, three organs of his body, Gall bladder, Appendix and Pancreatitis were torn off by means of operation. This laid him low both physically and mentally.
It was at this stage, the saving grace of Yoga came suddenly flashing his mind and he rose. Took to Yoga and Pranayam. Ere long it became his life-force and he became stout and strong. Then he thought of widening this boon to one and all, cutting across all shades of differences, caste or creed, race or religion, reach or poor to bring about a social change and harmony. Bidding all communal conflicts a go by. He himself was cured, why not others?
And he set up a Training Centre at Dhubri all on his own. In no time were his pupils attracted to do physical and mental exercises. More and more outsiders started pouring in and sought his help. Though a man of moderate means, he brought a corpse-carrying van and an ambulance to serve people whenever a call is made. And over the years he, so friendly and polite, has cured many incurable patients of their troubles and eased the problems of countless others who suffered from other ailments. Fortunately, his tribes now comprise even the highest officials, important personages, Police Personnel, men of the armed forces and others. Just on receiving a call, he moves to fur flung places even 300/400 kms away like the twin legs of the geometrical compass, as if a messiah, a deliverer is in duty.
And he renders his service gratis. He accepts nothing in return. Which is rare in this consumerist society. So, plaudits come from very many corners and camps, sometimes in printed words, lauding his liberal service and calling him adoringly, - 'Khokan Baba' Yogi with a different mindset.
Incidentally, 'Yoga' an Indian word, originally meant Union with Brahma, the supreme spirit. A yogi generally isolates himself from the busy hum of the city or its crowd and takes shelter in the solitary regions- hills and dales for peaceful mediation. But Khokan Baba is very much in the thick of people, a yogi with a difference. Such a yogi can bring about a change in our social fabric by dousing the communal flames even. His documentary film 'Khoj' also points to that.
Khokan Saha again shuns self-propaganda. He is a silent social worker, not far away, perhaps, from becoming an icon. For he knows the West is also veering round to the East, the land of the yogis, in this age of restlessness and despair. Her Mother India can hold aloft her riches also unto others.
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