From Lawyer to Social Activist: The Inspiring Life of Baba Amte
- last year
Baba Amte, born Murlidhar Devidas Amte, was an Indian social worker and activist who dedicated his life to helping people with disabilities and leprosy. He was born on December 26, 1914, in Hinganghat, Maharashtra, India, to a wealthy family.
Baba Amte was educated in law but chose to pursue a career in social work. He started his work by helping farmers in the areas affected by floods and famine, but his life's work took a different turn after he met a group of leprosy patients who were ostracized by society.
Baba Amte was deeply moved by the plight of these patients, who were rejected by their families and communities and left to fend for themselves. In 1949, he founded Anandwan, a community for leprosy patients, where they could live with dignity and get access to healthcare, education, and vocational training.
Anandwan, which means "forest of joy," became a model for other communities and helped to change attitudes towards leprosy in India. Baba Amte also helped to set up other projects, including the Lok Biradari Prakalp, which focused on empowering tribal communities in Maharashtra.
Baba Amte's work earned him numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, India's highest civilian award, and the Padma Vibhushan. He continued to work until his death on February 9, 2008, at the age of 93.
Baba Amte's life is an inspiring example of the power of compassion and the difference that one person can make in the world. His legacy lives on through the communities he founded, which continue to provide care and support to people with disabilities and leprosy.
Baba Amte was educated in law but chose to pursue a career in social work. He started his work by helping farmers in the areas affected by floods and famine, but his life's work took a different turn after he met a group of leprosy patients who were ostracized by society.
Baba Amte was deeply moved by the plight of these patients, who were rejected by their families and communities and left to fend for themselves. In 1949, he founded Anandwan, a community for leprosy patients, where they could live with dignity and get access to healthcare, education, and vocational training.
Anandwan, which means "forest of joy," became a model for other communities and helped to change attitudes towards leprosy in India. Baba Amte also helped to set up other projects, including the Lok Biradari Prakalp, which focused on empowering tribal communities in Maharashtra.
Baba Amte's work earned him numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, India's highest civilian award, and the Padma Vibhushan. He continued to work until his death on February 9, 2008, at the age of 93.
Baba Amte's life is an inspiring example of the power of compassion and the difference that one person can make in the world. His legacy lives on through the communities he founded, which continue to provide care and support to people with disabilities and leprosy.