Early days
Hailing from Watur near Jalna in Maharashtra, Dr. Wayal was brought up in a spiritually inclined, simple, middle-class family that followed the warkari tradition. Being the coveted son after three daughters, he was a pampered child who grew up to be very stubborn and headstrong. He would give nothing but the best in whatever he did and was always filled with passion, enthusiasm, and determination to accomplish whatever he took on. After completing his doctorate in Indian political thought, he joined a Degree college as a professor and settled down in life like any other householder.
“Life sailed smoothly for me until I started compromising on my values,” he reveals, adding, “As I progressed in my career and prospered, my circle of friends changed. I was surrounded by people who were young and affluent and wanted to enjoy life to the brim. Parties, drinking, and smoking was their way of life. I was soon lured by their ‘masti’ and their larger-than-life ways to live it up. I became the life of these parties and drinking became a habit. One part of me that was held tight by the values I had grown up with knew that I was sliding downhill and needed to pull back. The other part of me wanted to be free and enjoy the high of life. I was caught in a dilemma between my two selves and the devil in me prevailed.”
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Moments of despair
The family soon came to know of his addiction. They would counsel him and he would promise them that he wouldn’t touch it ever again. But come evening, his promise would bite the dust. Over the years, his willpower touched rock bottom and he felt that he would never be able to get back to his old life. He squandered large amounts of money on alcohol and even started borrowing money to indulge in the habit. But all these only led him into depression.
“Matters reached a flashpoint when I completely lost track of my life. On the one hand, I felt guilty that I was tarnishing the reputation of my family and college. On the other hand, I indulged in drinking to relieve myself from anxiety and tension,” Dr. Wayal says.
A ray of hope
The next 11 years saw Dr. Wayal’s life go on a downward spiral. He was lost and frustrated.
“It was in December 2006 that life took an unexpected turn,” he says, adding. “A cousin came to my city to organize an Art of Living program. He looked at my condition and asked me to participate in it. You know how it is with intellectuals – we think all holy men and their practices are a complete hoax. But seeing my cousin organize the program with such enthusiasm, I saw shades of my younger, passionate, and determined self. I decided to take a chance and registered for the workshop. I had nothing to lose and had the liberty to discontinue if I didn’t like it. The six-day workshop proved to be a life-transforming experience. For the first time in 11 years, I slept soundly,” remarks Dr. Wayal.
The big transition
After this program, there was no looking back. He began to abstain from alcohol and put himself on a healthy diet. Gradually, he outgrew his vices and focused on his life and work.
“The shift did not happen overnight but the techniques I learned in the workshop gave me a lot of confidence and solace. I also underwent Youth Leadership Training Programs (YLTP) that imbued me with different life skills. I was amazed to see my energy levels double within a span of 12 days,” Dr. Wayal says.
Within two months, Dr. Wayal was completely free of all vices. He took complete charge of his life and even started looking much younger than his age.
His life goals had changed. “My focus then was to guide and inspire misguided youths who were addicted to these vices,” he adds.
He fought the odds with extraordinary courage and went on to become a charismatic social worker and leader of the masses.
Empowering the youth
Dr. Wayal began with the Youth Leadership Training Programs (YLTP), which aimed at strengthening the youth at an emotional, spiritual, and mental level.
“I realized that what the youth really lacked was self-confidence and a purpose in life. Since they had no direction, they ended up wasting their energy indulging in intoxication and other futile pursuits. If this energy could be channelized, these youth could become the catalysts of change for their villages and the nation. This was and will remain the ultimate motive of my life,” recalls Dr. Wayal.
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A winner all the way
Thanks to Professor Wayal, thousands of youth in Maharashtra have found a new purpose in life.
“The youth have tremendous potential to change the destiny of a nation. Unfortunately, today a large number of them are reeling under pressure, are victims of drug abuse or alcohol, and are indulging in anti-social activities. But we are tirelessly working to channelize these youth energies in the right direction. The resurgence of youth power will ensure a clean, stress-free, and corrupt-free India. My dream is to take India to new heights on the global platform. We are certainly moving a few notches higher every day,” says Dr. Wayal.
Dr. Wayal’s noteworthy contribution to society was recognized by prestigious social organizations of Maharashtra.
“Indeed, it was a proud moment for me and my family. The certificate of merit is a testimony to the transformation that has happened in society. I want to continue working with more vigor and enthusiasm,” he says.
If you are looking for a way to overcome drug addiction, smoking, or drinking, join the Wellness Program for Substance Users and the Quit Tobacco Program; with holistic practices like Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, and meditation, you will set off on a life-changing journey towards health and happiness.
Story Credit: Art of Living Bureau of Communications
