Born on 26th December 1914 in Hinganghat, Maharashtra, Murlidhar Devidas Amte, affectionately known as Baba Amte, emerged from an affluent Deshastha Brahmin family. Little did the world anticipate that this child would grow into an iconic figure in the field of social work, celebrated for his unyielding commitment to the welfare and dignity of those marginalised and in distress.
Early Life and Awakening
Baba Amte’s formative years were bathed in privilege and luxury as the eldest son of a wealthy landowner. Despite enjoying an idyllic childhood filled with hunting and sports, his acute awareness of the stark class disparities in Indian society troubled him. His family’s indifference towards external suffering spurred him to rebel, remarking, “There is a certain callousness in families like my family. They put up strong barriers so as to avoid seeing the misery in the outside world, and I rebelled against it.”
Amte’s life took a transformative turn when he entered the legal field, establishing a successful law practice in Wardha. However, his calling extended beyond the courtroom. In 1942, he became a defence lawyer for Indian leaders imprisoned during the Quit India movement, marking the initiation of his involvement in India’s struggle for independence.
Gandhian Influence and Unyielding Spirit
Amte’s stay at Sevagram, Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram, left an indelible mark on his life. He not only embraced Gandhian principles but fully adopted the spartan way of life advocated by the Mahatma. Practising Gandhism through actions like yarn spinning with a charkha and wearing khadi clothing, his commitment to non-violence and simplicity earned him the title “Abhay Sadhak” or the “Fearless Seeker of Truth” from Mahatma Gandhi.
A pivotal moment in Baba Amte’s life occurred during a chance encounter with a leprosy patient named Tulshiram, evoking fear within him. This encounter led him to a new mission: challenging the deep-rooted social stigma associated with leprosy and debunking the misconception of its high contagion. In a bold experiment, he injected himself with bacilli from a leprosy patient to prove the disease’s non-contagious nature.
The Leprosy Revolution
Amte’s dedication to leprosy patients and his fearless advocacy resulted in the establishment of Anandvan, a leprosy hospital, under a tree on 15th August 1949. Here, patients received medical care and an opportunity to lead dignified lives, engaging in agriculture and various industries. Recognising that true rehabilitation required social integration, Amte dispelled misconceptions about leprosy, inspiring others to join his cause. He founded two more ashrams, “Somnath” and “Ashokwan,” providing care and rehabilitation to leprosy patients, disabled individuals, and marginalised sections of society.
Devotion to Social Causes
Baba Amte’s commitment extended to various social causes, including ecological balance, wildlife preservation, and the Narmada Bachao Andolan, where he lived by the Narmada River to protest against local displacement and environmental damage caused by the Sardar Sarovar dam construction.
His lifelong efforts garnered prestigious accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Templeton Prize, and the Gandhi Peace Prize. Mahatma Gandhi himself bestowed upon him the title “Abhayasadhak,” symbolising his fearlessness and dedication to the cause.
Legacy and Passing
Baba Amte continued his work until his passing on 9th February 2008 at Anandwan, leaving behind a legacy of fearlessness and compassion. Opting for burial over cremation, he upheld his principles as an environmentalist and social reformer.
A Family Legacy
Baba Amte’s dedication to humanitarian causes extended to his family. His wife, Sadhanatai Amte, shared his commitment to social work. Their sons, Vikas Amte and Prakash Amte, along with their wives, carried on the legacy of service, establishing hospitals, schools for the blind and deaf, orphanages, and institutions catering to marginalised communities.
Google Doodle Tribute
On 26th December 2018, Google honoured Baba Amte’s 104th birthday with a Google Doodle, underscoring the enduring impact of his life and work.
Baba Amte’s life stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, fearlessness, and unwavering commitment to social justice. He exemplified that one person’s dedication and action can bring about profound change, and his legacy continues to inspire generations to make the world a better place through love, service, and selflessness.
