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A saint of our times, says Manmohan Singh

Special Correspondent

He dedicated his life to uphold Gandhian philosophy: Pratibha Patil

— Photo: AFP

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION: The former President, K.R. Narayanan, awarding the annual Gandhi Peace Prize 1999 to Murlidhar Devidas Amte at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi for his work among leprosy patients, in this file picture.

NEW DELHI: Top politicians and people from all walks of life condoled on Saturday the passing away of renowned Gandhian and social reformer Baba Amte at his Anandvan ashram in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. He was 94 and is survived by his wife, Sadhnatai, two sons and a daughter.

The funeral will be held on Sunday. Several Ministers and social activists, including Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar, will attend.

A committed person

Paying tributes, President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described Baba Amte as a “saint” and the “Gandhian of our times” who committed his life for the “welfare of the destitute and the needy.”

A unique example

“Despite hailing from a well-to-do family, Baba Amte dedicated his life to uphold Gandhian philosophy by working hard to wipe tears from the eyes of the poor and the needy. He was a unique example of a person who committed his life for the welfare of the destitute and the needy,” said the President in her condolence message from Jalgaon, where she is on a visit.

A legend in his lifetime

The Prime Minister said Baba Amte became a “legend” in his lifetime. “The work he did for the upliftment of leprosy-affected people alone puts him in a unique class of great national figures who lived for the betterment of their fellow human beings. His life-long struggle to unite people across the length and breadth of the country on national and Gandhian lines, and to eliminate all forms of discrimination, truly makes him a saint of our times.”

Describing Baba as a “multi-faceted personality,” United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said he was an “indefatigable crusader for the dignity and welfare of the poor, the discriminated, the deprived, the oppressed and the dispossessed. His life will be a continuing source of inspiration not just to social activists, but to all of us.”

A great loss: Ansari

While Vice-President Hamid Ansari said Baba’s death was a “great loss” to the nation, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said his contribution in the process of nation building, particularly in the service of leprosy patients, would be remembered forever.

Caring for the ill

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani said Baba would be known for a long time for his devoted and lifelong service for the care and rehabilitation of leprosy patients, tribals and people belonging to other marginalised sections. “He was active in his mission even in his 90s, when he was battling disabilities caused by old age.”

Campaigner of peace

Describing him as a “campaigner of peace and harmony,” Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh said his life would continue to inspire those who were dedicated to working for society and humanity.

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora said his death was a “personal loss” to him.

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