Abdul Sattar Edhi
Abdul Sattar Edhi was a prominent Pakistani philanthropist, social activist, and humanitarian. He is widely regarded as one of the most selfless individuals in the world, dedicating his entire life to helping the underprivileged and marginalised sections of society.
About
He is widely regarded as one of the most selfless individuals in the world, dedicating his entire life to helping the underprivileged and marginalised sections of society. Edhi founded the Edhi Foundation, the largest welfare organization in Pakistan, providing a wide range of social services such as healthcare, ambulance services, orphanages, and burial services, among others. Born in 1928 in the Indian city of Bantva, Edhi migrated to Pakistan during the partition in 1947. He started his humanitarian work by providing aid to refugees in Karachi. In 1951, he established a free dispensary, which later evolved into the Edhi Foundation. Over the years, the foundation expanded its services to cater to various societal needs, with branches established across Pakistan. Edhi's approach to philanthropy was rooted in simplicity and selflessness. He lived a frugal life and never owned any significant personal belongings or property, opting to use all available resources to help those in need. He relied heavily on individual donations to fund the foundation's activities. Throughout his life, Edhi received numerous awards and accolades for his humanitarian efforts, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Lenin Peace Prize, and the Balzan Prize. However, he remained humble and committed to his cause, often saying that his true awards were the smiles on the faces of those he helped. Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away in 2016, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion, service, and humanity. His work continues to inspire and his foundation remains instrumental in providing critical services to the disadvantaged in Pakistan. Edhi's life and contributions serve as a testament to the transformative power of individual actions and the profound impact one person can make on society.