The Man with a Mission: Abdul Sattar Edhi
Early Life: Humble Beginnings and Seeds of Compassion
Abdul Sattar Edhi was born on January 1, 1928, in the small village of Bantva in the Gujarat district of British India. Growing up in a modest family, Edhi learned the values of compassion, empathy, and hard work from an early age. His mother, a deeply caring woman, played a pivotal role in shaping his outlook on life. Despite the family’s limited means, she taught Edhi to share whatever little they had with those less fortunate. She would give him two paisas for school, instructing him to spend one on himself and the other on someone in need. This simple lesson in generosity left a profound impact on Edhi, instilling in him a sense of responsibility towards the welfare of others.
When Edhi was 11 years old, his mother fell seriously ill and became paralyzed. Edhi took on the role of her primary caregiver, tending to her needs while continuing his studies. For eight years, he cared for her, an experience that deeply influenced his perspective on the importance of caring for the sick and the vulnerable. This early exposure to suffering and the lack of medical support systems for the poor fueled Edhi’s desire to help others, setting the foundation for what would become his life’s mission.
Migration to Pakistan and the Birth of a Humanitarian Vision
In 1947, following the partition of India, Edhi and his family migrated to the newly formed state of Pakistan, settling in Karachi. The city was struggling with a massive influx of refugees, widespread poverty, and a lack of basic services. Witnessing the dire conditions and the suffering of the people around him, Edhi was moved to take action. With no formal education or resources, but armed with an unyielding resolve to make a difference, Edhi began his humanitarian work by setting up a small pharmacy and providing basic medical care to the impoverished communities in Karachi.
Initially, Edhi started his mission with only a few rupees in his pocket. He set up a makeshift dispensary in a small room and began treating patients with whatever resources he could gather. It wasn’t long before he realized that the needs of the people far exceeded his limited means. Moved by the plight of the destitute, Edhi made a bold decision: he would dedicate his life to serving humanity, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. He began to solicit donations from the public, going door to door to collect funds for his charitable work. His sincerity, humility, and unwavering commitment quickly won the trust and support of the community.
Establishing the Edhi Foundation: A Beacon of Hope
In 1951, Abdul Sattar Edhi officially established the Edhi Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medical and social services to those in need. Starting with a single room and a single ambulance that he personally drove, Edhi’s foundation grew rapidly, fueled by his tireless efforts and the generosity of the public. The Edhi Foundation soon expanded its services to include a wide range of humanitarian initiatives, such as free medical clinics, orphanages, homeless shelters, and rehabilitation centers for drug addicts and mentally ill individuals.
One of the most iconic symbols of Edhi’s work is his fleet of ambulances, which started with just one vehicle but eventually grew into the largest volunteer ambulance service in the world. Edhi himself often drove the ambulances, responding to emergencies, transporting the sick and injured, and collecting the bodies of those who had no one else to care for them. His motto was simple: “No religion is higher than humanity.” This philosophy guided every aspect of his work, and he helped anyone in need, regardless of their background.
Edhi’s efforts were not confined to Karachi or even Pakistan. He expanded his services internationally, providing aid to victims of natural disasters and conflicts around the world. From famine relief in Africa to support for victims of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, the Edhi Foundation was often among the first to respond to humanitarian crises, earning global recognition for its swift and effective assistance.
Challenges and Perseverance: A Life of Unwavering Dedication
Throughout his life, Abdul Sattar Edhi faced numerous challenges. Operating in a country fraught with political instability, social strife, and economic hardship, Edhi’s work was often met with resistance and skepticism. He faced criticism, threats, and even accusations of embezzlement, but none of this deterred him from his mission. Edhi lived a life of extreme simplicity; he owned only two sets of clothes, slept in his office, and refused any salary from the foundation he had built. His personal lifestyle was a testament to his commitment to the cause. He often said, “I do not care about titles or honors. I care about helping people.”
One of the biggest challenges Edhi faced was the sheer scale of the problems he sought to address. The demand for services was overwhelming, and resources were always stretched thin. Yet, Edhi never turned anyone away. He relied on the goodwill of ordinary people, who donated whatever they could to support his work. Edhi’s humility, integrity, and transparency in handling donations earned him the trust of millions. People gave generously, knowing that every rupee would go directly to helping those in need.
Edhi’s work was also groundbreaking in challenging social norms and taboos. He established the first maternity home in Pakistan where unmarried pregnant women could seek help without facing judgment or persecution. He set up adoption services for unwanted children, many of whom were abandoned due to the stigma surrounding unwed mothers. Edhi’s philosophy was that every life was valuable, and he believed that society had a responsibility to care for its most vulnerable members.
Recognition and Legacy: A Life of Extraordinary Impact
Over the decades, Abdul Sattar Edhi’s tireless work earned him numerous national and international accolades, although he often downplayed these recognitions, stating that his true reward was in serving humanity. He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, considered the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, and received honors from various organizations around the world. Despite the accolades, Edhi remained humble, always attributing his success to the people who supported his cause.
Edhi’s legacy extends far beyond the awards and honors he received. Under his leadership, the Edhi Foundation grew into Pakistan’s largest and most respected welfare organization, providing a wide array of services including healthcare, emergency response, childcare, and disaster relief. The foundation operates over 1,800 ambulances, 28 rescue boats, a helicopter for air rescues, and hundreds of centers across Pakistan that provide a safe haven for those in need.
Edhi’s impact is also reflected in the countless lives he touched and the hope he provided to those who had nowhere else to turn. His orphanages have housed thousands of children, his shelters have provided refuge for the homeless, and his clinics have treated millions of patients who could not afford medical care. Edhi’s philosophy of unconditional service to humanity has inspired a new generation of volunteers and philanthropists in Pakistan and around the world.
Final Years and Passing: A Nation Mourns
In the final years of his life, Abdul Sattar Edhi’s health began to decline. He was diagnosed with kidney failure and required dialysis. Despite his condition, Edhi continued to oversee the operations of his foundation and remained actively involved in its activities. His son, Faisal Edhi, gradually took on more responsibilities, ensuring that the foundation would continue to thrive after his father’s passing.
On July 8, 2016, Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away at the age of 88. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from all corners of Pakistan and beyond. Tributes poured in from around the world, recognizing Edhi’s extraordinary contributions to humanity. The Pakistani government declared a national day of mourning, and Edhi was given a state funeral—the first in decades for a private citizen in Pakistan. Tens of thousands of people attended his funeral, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he had earned through his lifetime of service.
The Enduring Legacy of Abdul Sattar Edhi
Abdul Sattar Edhi’s legacy lives on through the continued work of the Edhi Foundation, which remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of compassion in Pakistan and beyond. His life story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through selflessness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Edhi’s philosophy that “people have become educated, but have yet to become human” resonates deeply, urging us to look beyond ourselves and to recognize the humanity in others.
Edhi’s work challenged societal norms, defied political and religious divisions, and transcended borders. He showed the world that true greatness lies not in wealth or power, but in the simple act of serving those in need. His life serves as an enduring inspiration, reminding us that no matter how small our resources or how great the challenges, each of us has the power to make a difference.
Through his unwavering commitment to serving humanity, Abdul Sattar Edhi left an indelible mark on the world. His life was a testament to the idea that one person, driven by a desire to help others, can create a legacy that endures far beyond their lifetime. Abdul Sattar Edhi may no longer be with us, but his spirit lives on in the millions of lives he touched, the countless acts of kindness he inspired, and the enduring legacy of the Edhi Foundation. His story is not just a tale of personal success; it is a call to action for all of us to strive for a world where compassion and generosity are the guiding principles of our lives.
