Baba Amte, born Murlidhar Devidas Amte on December 26, 1914, was a prominent social activist and humanitarian recognized for his tireless work with leprosy patients. He was born in Hinganghat, a city in the Wardha district of Maharashtra. Despite his privileged background, he devoted his life to serving marginalized communities.
Growing up in a wealthy family with colonial ties, Baba Amte became acutely aware of social inequalities at a young age. He rebelled against the indifference shown by affluent families towards the suffering of the poor. His involvement in the Indian Independence Movement further ignited his sense of justice and compassion, pushing him towards social causes.
After becoming a lawyer, Baba Amte used his legal skills to defend Indian leaders jailed by the British colonial government during the Quit India Movement. His commitment to social justice caught the attention of Mahatma Gandhi, who honored him with the title “Abhay Sadhak” (Fearless Seeker of Truth) due to his brave actions against British soldiers.
Baba Amte's dedication to leprosy patients was sparked by a transformative encounter with a patient named Tulshiram. This interaction opened his eyes to the severe societal stigma and suffering faced by leprosy patients. To challenge the belief that leprosy was highly contagious, Baba Amte even injected himself with the bacilli from a leprosy patient.
In 1949, Baba Amte and his wife Sadhna founded Anandwan, an ashram aimed at the treatment, rehabilitation, and upliftment of leprosy patients. The hospital they established provided medical care, vocational training, and a chance for patients to live with dignity. Patients engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, and small industries, contributing productively to society.
Baba Amte also founded the Lok Biradari Prakalp in 1973, aimed at improving the lives of the Madia Gond tribe in Maharashtra. This initiative included a hospital, a school, and an animal orphanage, providing essential healthcare and education. Furthermore, he undertook a 2,809 km walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to promote national unity and communal harmony.
His legacy is carried forward by his sons, Dr. Vikas Amte and Dr. Prakash Amte, along with their spouses, who are also trained medical doctors. They continue the work of treating and rehabilitating leprosy patients and marginalized communities, ensuring that Baba Amte's vision for a just and inclusive society thrives.
Baba Amte received numerous accolades for his humanitarian efforts, including the Padma Shri in 1971 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1986, two of India's highest civilian honors. He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985 for Public Service and the Gandhi Peace Prize in 1999, recognizing his lifelong commitment to social justice.
In addition to his work with leprosy and indigenous tribes, Baba Amte was an environmentalist. He supported the Narmada Bachao Andolan, aimed at halting large dam constructions on the Narmada River that threatened tribal livelihoods. His activism showcased his dedication to protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.
Baba Amte passed away on February 9, 2008, at the age of 93 in Anandwan, Maharashtra. His legacy continues through the ongoing efforts of his family and the work of Anandwan and Lok Biradari Prakalp. Baba Amte's life remains an enduring symbol of compassion, service, and the belief that all individuals deserve dignity and opportunity.
Q1. Who was Baba Amte, and what was his primary focus?
Answer: Baba Amte was a renowned social activist born in 1914, known for his dedicated work with leprosy patients. His focus was on their treatment, rehabilitation, and uplifting their dignity through initiatives like Anandwan.
Q2. What was Anandwan?
Answer: Anandwan is an ashram founded by Baba Amte in 1949, aimed at treating and rehabilitating leprosy patients. It provided medical care, vocational training, and opportunities for patients to live with dignity.
Q3. How did Baba Amte contribute to the Indian Independence Movement?
Answer: Baba Amte became a lawyer and defended jailed Indian leaders during the Quit India Movement, gaining recognition from Mahatma Gandhi for his bravery and commitment to social justice.
Q4. What awards did Baba Amte receive during his lifetime?
Answer: Baba Amte received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award, recognizing his humanitarian contributions and commitment to social justice.
Q5. What was Baba Amte’s stance on environmental issues?
Answer: Baba Amte was an environmentalist who supported movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan, advocating against large dams that threatened tribal communities and their livelihoods.
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