2015-12-29 Tue

The last week of December is not only about celebrating Christmas and making New Year’s plans. Let us also remember the real Heroes of India, who brought a new shine to those who were abandoned by the society. Baba Amte (26th Dec 1914) and Dr. Prakash Baba Amte (29th Dec 1948) spent their entire life to empower the abandoned class of society.

Baba Amte was an Indian social worker and social activist known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of poor people suffering from leprosy. He is awarded with Padma Sri, Ramon Magsaysay Award, Padma Vibhushan, United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights and Gandhi Peace Prize.

Following his father’s steps Dr. Prakash Baba Amte also spent his life in the same direction. Like his Father, he was awarded with number of awards. He was awarded the Magsaysay Award for community leadership for 2008, jointly with wife Mandakini.

Their noble work is commemorated by India as well as foreign country. India Post issued a stamp with Rs.5 denomination featuring portrait of Baba Amte. Beside, Monaco has also issued a stamp depicting images of both Prakash Amte and Mandakini Amte.