The world today lost a truly great man. The man Gandhi dubbed ‘the conqueror of fear’ and the His Holiness the Dalai Lama describes as ‘compassion in action’. Baba Amte died this morning at 4.15am. Baba starting the MSS, the parent instution to the charity I run Take Heart (http://www.takeheartindia.org/). Baba was a bit like a grandfather to me. I was fortunate enough to spend many of my Christmas holidays with him in Anandwan since I was 9 years old. My Father was Baba’s oldest international supporter, visiting Baba and the MSS every year for the last 45 years. Baba affectionately described my Father as his ‘spoilt son’. It was through Baba’s inspiration that my Father Founded Take Heart in 1963 and it was through Baba’s inspiration that I took over the running of Take Heart in 2005 (see http://www.takeheartindia.org/).
For the last 55 years Baba Amte has been India’s most prolific social worker. He taught me many great things about life. His whole mission in life was the ‘work builds, charity destroys’. Rather than giving we should empower people. Baba did not preach these words but lived them. Anandwan is now the world’s largest leprosarium and as received global fame for its unique approach to empowering those in need.
Baba has been recognized internationally, receiving numerous awards such as the Gandhi peace prize, the Templeton prize (The Nobel prize for religion) and the U.N. Human Rights award. Today the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh condoled the death of Baba Amte describing his as a ‘saint’, ‘a legend’ and a ‘true Gandhian’ who committed his life to the welfare of the destitute. India as a nation today is mourning the death of Baba Amte.
I thought there was not a better way that to end on some of the inspiring words Baba has said over the years:
1. I believe in leading series of Lives in one life.
2. We utilize all sorts of wastes except waste of time.
3. Add life to years rather than adding years to life.
4. Action speaks louder than words.
5. Love alone can resurrect a man in agony.
6. Work builds, charity destroys.
7. Give them a chance not charity.
8. Happiness dies when it is not shared.
9. The greatest joy comes in life when you invest in others.
10. To live for others is the most fertile pleasure in the world.
11. Let your sympathy find expression through love backed by action.
12. Youth is he who plods through victory and defeat alike.
13. Hope this world will listen to the deafening sound of my silence…
14. The smile of a man who is oppressed or a child who is suffering is what I covet more than any award.
15. National integration cannot be legislated through an act in parliament.
16. Words and principles are not enough to take the place of deeds. Attempt defining both by words and deeds.
17. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash.
18. Ration your words but nourish your deeds with dedication, determination, & devotion.
19. The most frightening disease is not of losing your limbs, but losing your strength to feel kindness & compassion for other human beings.
20. I have experienced the drowsiness of every autumn & passion of every spring; hence I don’t seek dust in shame and loneliness.
21. Tree is a symbol of liberty... (A pole of liberty)... Every bird occupying its twigs is messenger of love, faith, equality, & courage & every fluttering leaf is a national flag.
22. We cannot carry the struggle of life with the voice of reason alone.
23. You may forget with whom you laughed, but you will never forget with whom you wept.
24. All services to be truly effective and of permanent values must be wrought in love.
2. We utilize all sorts of wastes except waste of time.
3. Add life to years rather than adding years to life.
4. Action speaks louder than words.
5. Love alone can resurrect a man in agony.
6. Work builds, charity destroys.
7. Give them a chance not charity.
8. Happiness dies when it is not shared.
9. The greatest joy comes in life when you invest in others.
10. To live for others is the most fertile pleasure in the world.
11. Let your sympathy find expression through love backed by action.
12. Youth is he who plods through victory and defeat alike.
13. Hope this world will listen to the deafening sound of my silence…
14. The smile of a man who is oppressed or a child who is suffering is what I covet more than any award.
15. National integration cannot be legislated through an act in parliament.
16. Words and principles are not enough to take the place of deeds. Attempt defining both by words and deeds.
17. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash.
18. Ration your words but nourish your deeds with dedication, determination, & devotion.
19. The most frightening disease is not of losing your limbs, but losing your strength to feel kindness & compassion for other human beings.
20. I have experienced the drowsiness of every autumn & passion of every spring; hence I don’t seek dust in shame and loneliness.
21. Tree is a symbol of liberty... (A pole of liberty)... Every bird occupying its twigs is messenger of love, faith, equality, & courage & every fluttering leaf is a national flag.
22. We cannot carry the struggle of life with the voice of reason alone.
23. You may forget with whom you laughed, but you will never forget with whom you wept.
24. All services to be truly effective and of permanent values must be wrought in love.
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