Who is Damu Anna, and what is the stated purpose of introducing his story in Chapter 25?

As introduced in Chapter 25, Damu Anna is a wealthy Kasar, or bronze-smith, from Ahmednagar, described as a well-to-do person devoted to Sai's feet. The chapter sets up his story as a prime example of Sai's profound love for His followers. The purpose of narrating his story, which is described as being very pure in its meaning, is to demonstrate how Sai Baba wards off the misfortunes of those with one-pointed faith. The text suggests that by listening to this story, devotees will understand how the "Guru-Mother is an 'Ocean of Mercy'" and their minds will experience joy, causing their own difficulties to vanish.