Who was Damu Anna and what was his relationship with Sai Baba and the Shirdi community?

Damu Anna was a wealthy bronze-smith (Kasar) from Ahmednagar who was a devoted follower of Sai Baba. Chapter 25 describes him as a great devotee who was deeply devoted to Sai's feet. His personal life was marked by the fact that he had two wives but was childless until he received Sai's blessings, after which he was blessed with sons. His connection to the Shirdi community was notably demonstrated through his participation in the annual Ram Navami festival. For many years, he upheld a vow to provide one of the two large flags that were carried in a procession through the village and tied to the ends of the Masjid, showing his uninterrupted love and devotion.