Remembering Baba Amte on his 17th death anniversary (2025). Learn about his legacy in leprosy rehabilitation, Narmada Bachao Andolan, and his fight for justice.
theIAShub | 07 Feb, 2025 | 241 | 0
On February 9, 2025, India will observe the 17th death anniversary of Baba Amte, a respected social worker and activist. Baba Amte, who dedicated his life to serving marginalized communities, especially those affected by leprosy, passed away in 2008 at the age of 93. His work for social justice, dignity, and human rights continues to inspire people today. This anniversary is a time to remember his contributions and reflect on the lasting impact he had on Indian society.
As we remember Baba Amte on his death anniversary on February 9, 2025, we are reminded of the lasting impact he made in the fight against social stigma, inequality, and injustice. His hard work to rehabilitate leprosy patients, his leadership in environmental causes, and his dedication to marginalized communities made him a symbol of compassion and strength.
Baba Amte’s legacy lives on through the various social programs he started, including ashrams for leprosy patients. The anniversary is a time for people to reflect on his values—service, dignity, and equality—and the many lives he touched.
Murlidhar Devidas Amte, popularly known as Baba Amte, was born on December 26, 1914, in Maharashtra, into a privileged Brahmin family. Despite his affluent background, he grew increasingly aware of the social inequalities that permeated Indian society. This awareness sparked his lifelong commitment to social activism. Amte initially trained as a lawyer and became involved in the Indian independence movement, working as a defense lawyer for leaders imprisoned by the British during the Quit India movement.
However, it was his encounter with leprosy patients, particularly a man named Tulshiram, that led him to dedicate his life to the rehabilitation and empowerment of those suffering from leprosy. His compassion and commitment to the welfare of the most marginalized led to the establishment of Anandwan, a renowned ashram in Maharashtra that focused on medical care, vocational training, and the rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy.
Baba Amte’s work extended beyond leprosy rehabilitation; he was a champion of various social causes, including the rights of indigenous people, ecological preservation, and the fight against corruption. His unwavering commitment to these causes earned him several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the Gandhi Peace Prize.
One of the most significant causes Baba Amte took up in the later part of his life was the Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save Narmada Movement). The movement aimed to protect the rights of people displaced by the construction of large dams on the Narmada River, particularly the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The project threatened to displace thousands of tribal communities, farmers, and villagers, while also causing irreparable damage to the river’s ecosystem.
In 1990, Baba Amte left his home in Anandwan to join the movement led by Medha Patkar and other activists. His participation brought significant attention to the struggles of the displaced communities and the environmental impact of the dam. He lived along the Narmada River for seven years, raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and engaging in peaceful protests to demand that the rights of displaced people be respected and that alternative solutions to the dam’s construction be explored.
Baba Amte played a crucial role in the Narmada Bachao Andolan. As a respected figure with a history of fighting for marginalized communities, his involvement gave the movement credibility and strength. He was not only a spiritual leader but also a symbol of moral courage and dedication to the cause.
During his time with the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Baba Amte advocated for the rights of the tribal communities in the region, many of whom were facing forced displacement without adequate compensation or rehabilitation plans. He raised the issue of the ecological destruction caused by the construction of large dams and stressed the importance of preserving the river’s natural flow, which was crucial for the livelihoods of millions of people.
Baba Amte chose to live on the banks of the Narmada River for seven years to show how committed he was to the cause and his strong respect for nature. He believed that any development project should be sustainable, meaning it should take care of both the people and the environment.
Baba Amte’s involvement also highlighted the importance of peaceful protest and community action. Through nonviolent protests, the movement gained a lot of support. His participation helped bring attention to the Narmada issue both in India and around the world. His efforts were key in changing the conversation about development, displacement, and environmental justice in India.
Baba Amte was honored with numerous prestigious awards in recognition of his dedication to social service, human rights, and environmental activism. These awards include:
Dr. Ambedkar International Award for Social Change, 1999
The Narmada Bachao Andolan was a campaign aimed at protecting the rights of people displaced by the construction of large dams on the Narmada River, especially the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The movement also focused on preventing ecological damage caused by the dams.
Baba Amte advocated for the rights of displaced tribal communities and highlighted the ecological destruction caused by the dams. He lived along the Narmada River for seven years, leading peaceful protests and mobilizing support for the cause.
Baba Amte chose to live on the banks of the Narmada River for seven years to show his commitment to the Narmada Bachao Andolan and to emphasize his respect for nature. He wanted to promote sustainable development that would protect both people and the environment.
Baba Amte received prestigious awards like the Padma Vibhushan, Ramon Magsaysay Award, and Gandhi Peace Prize for his contributions to social justice, leprosy rehabilitation, and environmental activism.
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