New Delhi, February 8: Each date of the year holds its own significance. Similarly, February 9 is a day to remember the great soul who dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalized and teaching them to live with dignity. This remarkable individual is Baba Amte, whose life exemplifies that when compassion transforms into resolve, it can reshape thousands of lives.
Former Governor of Maharashtra, S.M. Krishna, hailed him as a great social reformer, stating that Baba Amte showed leprosy-affected individuals the path to live with self-respect. He turned service into a movement for rights and dignity, rather than mere charity.
Murli Dhar Devdas Amte was born on December 26, 1914, in Hinganghat village of Wardha district, Maharashtra, into a prosperous landowning family. His father, Devdas Harbaji Amte, served as a clerk in government service, and the family enjoyed significant financial stability. Baba Amte’s childhood resembled that of a prince, complete with a golden cradle, meals served with silver spoons, and silk clothing.
He received his early education at the Christian Mission School in Nagpur and later studied law at Nagpur University. Although he practiced law for an extended period, his life took a transformative turn after marriage. Together with his wife, Sadhana, he dedicated his life to social service and the welfare of the oppressed.
The pivotal moment in his life occurred when he witnessed a leprosy patient soaked in heavy rain, with no one willing to help. This incident prompted Baba Amte to ask himself, “What if I were in his place?” Without hesitation, he took the patient home. This moment marked his commitment to serving leprosy patients and working towards their rehabilitation. He resolved to understand the disease and eradicate the social fears and discrimination associated with it.
In 1949, Baba Amte founded the Maharog Seva Samiti, initiating organized service for leprosy patients. He established several service institutions, such as Somnath and Ashokvan, where thousands received treatment and were empowered to transition from patients to productive members of society. He believed that dignity and self-reliance were more crucial than mere compassion.
Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave, Baba Amte traveled across the country to understand the real issues faced by villages. He was also a companion of the immortal martyr Rajguru during the freedom movement, but later embraced the path of non-violence after coming into contact with Gandhi. In 1985, he led the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, aimed at fostering national unity and raising awareness about environmental conservation.
For his extraordinary contributions to society, he received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1971), Padma Vibhushan (1986), the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1985), the Maharashtra Bhushan Award, the Gandhi Peace Prize, and many other national and international honors.
Baba Amte passed away on February 9, 2008, but his legacy continues to enrich thousands of lives. He taught society that service is not just about assistance; it is about restoring a person’s lost dignity.