Ever wondered what drives someone to dedicate their life to social change? Learn about Baba Amte, an extraordinary figure who turned privilege into purpose.
He grew up in riches, enjoying activities like hunting and sports. However, his awareness of societal inequalities and his desire to address them set him apart.
Trained in law, he established a thriving legal practice in Wardha. A dedicated participant in the Indian independence movement, he began working as a defense lawyer for incarcerated Indian leaders during the Quit India movement in 1942. Immersed in Gandhian principles, he spun yarn and wore khadi at Mahatma Gandhi’s Sevagram ashram.
He was fearless and saved an Indian girl from lewd remarks of British Soldiers, but was fearing the leprosy disease when he met a fellow Indian suffering from the disease. He advocated that more than the disease, the stigmatization of the disease was making the suffering of patients unbearable.
This incident propelled him to challenge misconceptions about the disease. He even injected himself with bacilli to demonstrate its non-contagious nature. Determined to transform lives, he and his wife founded hospitals and rehabilitation centers, including the Anandvan leprosy hospital, offering care and dignity to those affected. He also championed tribal welfare and initiated peace marches across India. His dedication extended to ecological balance, wildlife preservation, and the Narmada Bachao Andolan. In recognition, the Indian Government honored him with the Padma Shri in 1971.
His commitment to societal welfare transcended health, as he fervently championed tribal communities, extending his efforts through the initiation of peace marches that reverberated across the expanse of India. Furthermore, his visionary approach encompassed ecological harmony and wildlife preservation, underscoring his holistic view of transformation. This spirit culminated in his active involvement in the Narmada Bachao Andolan — a movement that stood to protect the environment and the rights of those affected by developmental projects.
His two sons and daughters-in-law are also social workers. We would probably not see his offspring pick up the road less traveled if he had not. In the next post, we talk about his son Dr. Prakash Amte, who transformed healthcare for the poor in the regions of Maharashtra.
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