Abdul Sattar Edhi, born on February 28, 1928, in Bantva, Gujarat, India, was a beacon of hope and compassion whose life’s work has left an indelible mark on humanity. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming Pakistan’s most revered humanitarian is a testament to the power of selflessness and dedication.
Early Life and Formative Years
Edhi’s early life was marked by personal challenges that shaped his compassionate outlook. At the age of eleven, his mother became paralyzed and later developed mental health issues. Young Abdul Sattar took on the responsibility of caring for her, tending to her daily needs. This experience instilled in him a profound empathy for the suffering of others and a commitment to serve humanity. (Source)
Despite his struggles, Edhi was naturally inclined toward helping people. His sense of responsibility developed early when he saw the disparity between the rich and poor in society. This realization laid the foundation of his life’s work.
Migration to Pakistan and the Birth of a Mission
In 1947, following the partition of India, Edhi and his family migrated to the newly formed Pakistan, settling in Karachi. Disturbed by the widespread poverty, illness, and neglect he witnessed, Edhi was moved to take action. He began by setting up a small dispensary to provide free medical care to those in need. His vision was clear: to create a welfare system that would serve the marginalized and forgotten segments of society.
With no financial backing, he relied on public donations. He often stood on streets, personally appealing for funds. His transparency and devotion quickly won people’s trust, and donations began pouring in.
The Foundation of Edhi Foundation
In 1951, Edhi established the Edhi Foundation, starting with a single-room clinic. His operations expanded significantly in 1957 during an Asian flu epidemic when public donations enabled him to purchase his first ambulance. This marked the beginning of what would become the world’s largest volunteer ambulance network. (Source)
From just one ambulance, his services grew into a nationwide humanitarian network, including shelters, orphanages, free hospitals, and rehabilitation centers for drug addicts and the mentally ill.
A Life Partner in Service
In 1965, Edhi married Bilquis Bano, a nurse working at an Edhi Trust dispensary. Together, they formed a formidable partnership in humanitarian work. Bilquis managed the free maternity home at the foundation’s headquarters and played a crucial role in the adoption services for abandoned infants. Their combined efforts provided shelter and care to countless individuals in need. (Source)
Bilquis Edhi became a strong pillar of the foundation, ensuring that services reached those who needed them the most. She pioneered the concept of “jhoola” (cradle) placed outside Edhi centers, where people could leave unwanted newborns instead of abandoning them in unsafe places.
Expansion of Services
Over the decades, the Edhi Foundation’s services expanded to include:
- Ambulance Services – Over 1,800 ambulances, making it the largest volunteer ambulance network in the world.
- Orphanages and Homes for the Homeless – Housing thousands of abandoned children, homeless individuals, and mentally ill patients.
- Hospitals and Free Medical Services – Providing treatment for millions annually, regardless of their financial status.
- Women’s Shelters – Offering refuge to abused and abandoned women.
- Education Programs – Schools for underprivileged children.
- Disaster Relief – Providing aid during earthquakes, floods, and other calamities.
- International Aid – Extending help beyond Pakistan, including to war-torn and disaster-hit regions.
His humanitarian philosophy was simple: “No religion is higher than humanity.” (Source)
Challenges and Perseverance
Despite his immense contributions, Edhi faced several challenges:
- Financial Struggles – The foundation relied solely on donations, often running low on funds.
- Threats and Criticism – Religious extremists targeted him for working outside sectarian boundaries.
- Accusations – He was falsely accused of using donations improperly, but his transparency always cleared him.
However, Edhi remained undeterred. He refused government funding to keep the foundation independent and free from political influence. His dedication earned him global respect and recognition.
Awards and Recognition
Abdul Sattar Edhi’s unparalleled humanitarian work earned him numerous awards, including:
- Nishan-e-Imtiaz – Pakistan’s highest civilian honor.
- Lenin Peace Prize – For his work in humanitarian services.
- Ramon Magsaysay Award – Often considered the Asian Nobel Prize.
- Gandhi Peace Award – Recognizing his contributions to peace and humanity.
- Honorary Doctorates – Several universities awarded him honorary degrees for his lifetime service.
Despite these accolades, Edhi remained humble, often stating, “I do not want any award. I just want to serve humanity.”
Legacy and Impact
By the time of his passing on July 8, 2016, Edhi had become a guardian to nearly 20,000 adopted children and had established a fleet of 1,800 ambulances. His life’s work earned him titles such as the “Angel of Mercy” and “Pakistan’s Mother Teresa.” His legacy continues through the ongoing efforts of the Edhi Foundation, now led by his son, Faisal Edhi. (Source)
Inspiration for Generations
Abdul Sattar Edhi’s life is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. His unwavering dedication to serving humanity, regardless of personal cost, serves as an enduring source of inspiration. He demonstrated that with compassion, humility, and relentless effort, it is possible to bring about meaningful change.
In a world often divided by differences, Edhi’s example teaches us the profound strength of unity and the boundless potential of human kindness. His story encourages us to look beyond ourselves, to recognize the needs of others, and to commit to making a positive difference, no matter how small it may seem.
As we reflect on Abdul Sattar Edhi’s remarkable journey, we are called to embrace the values he lived by and to carry forward his mission of compassion and service to humanity.
What Can You Do to Carry Forward His Legacy?
- Volunteer at local charities.
- Donate to organizations that help the less fortunate.
- Extend kindness to those in need.
- Educate others about humanitarian efforts.
Edhi’s philosophy was simple yet profound: “People have become educated, but have yet to become human.” Let’s honor his legacy by striving to be more human every day.
For more information on Abdul Sattar Edhi and his foundation, visit Edhi Foundation.and keep visiting on PKTags for more updates
