P. L. Deshpande
Mr. P. L. Deshpande, a famous Marathi writer and Philanthropist encouraged the Awachat couple in this endeavor and showed them the way. The story behind P. L. Deshpande taking interest in this field is very interesting.
It so happened that Dr. Anil Awachat wrote a series about drug addiction called ‘Gard’. P.L. Deshpande read these articles and called Dr. Anita and Anil Awachat. He asked them to do some substantial work on the problem of addiction. He also offered financial help. Dr. Anita immediately said that they can start a rehabilitation center. Center was started in the premises of Regional Mental Hospital Pune. P. L. Deshpande took the budget for salary of employees of the center. Thus the center started functioning.
P.L. Deshpande also donated books to Muktangan. Today the Library in Muktangan is named after his name. “Pu. La. Deshpande Granthalaya”