Abdul Sattar Edhi

Abdul Sattar Edhi
Hussain · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Abdul Sattar Edhi
Birth date	February 28, 1928
Birth place	Bantva, Gujarat, British India
Death date	July 8, 2016
Death place	Karachi, Pakistan
Occupation	Philanthropist, Social worker
Organization	Edhi Foundation

Abdul Sattar Edhi was a renowned Pakistani philanthropist and social worker who founded the Edhi Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides emergency services, health care, and education to the poor and marginalized communities in Pakistan. Born in Bantva, Gujarat, British India, Edhi's life was shaped by his experiences during the Partition of India and his subsequent migration to Pakistan. He was influenced by the works of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and he dedicated his life to serving humanity, particularly the poor and vulnerable, in Karachi, Lahore, and other cities across Pakistan. Edhi's selfless work and dedication to humanity earned him numerous awards and recognition, including the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Lenin Peace Prize, and Ramon Magsaysay Award.

● Early Life and Education

Abdul Sattar Edhi was born on February 28, 1928, in Bantva, Gujarat, British India, to a family of Memon traders. His early life was marked by the Indian independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Edhi's family migrated to Pakistan during the Partition of India, and he settled in Karachi, where he was exposed to the harsh realities of poverty, hunger, and disease. Edhi's education was limited, but he was influenced by the works of Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, and Rabindranath Tagore, which shaped his perspective on social justice and human rights. He was also inspired by the Sufi tradition of Islam, which emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and service to humanity.

● Humanitarian Work

Abdul Sattar Edhi's humanitarian work began in the 1950s, when he started providing emergency services to the poor and marginalized communities in Karachi. He was particularly moved by the plight of refugees from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones, and he worked tirelessly to provide them with food, shelter, and medical care. Edhi's work was recognized by United Nations agencies, including the UNICEF, UNHCR, and WHO, which partnered with him to provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities. He also collaborated with other non-governmental organizations, such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Oxfam, to respond to natural disasters, such as the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Pakistan floods.

● Edhi Foundation

The Edhi Foundation was established by Abdul Sattar Edhi in 1957 as a non-profit organization to provide emergency services, health care, and education to the poor and marginalized communities in Pakistan. The foundation operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and orphanages across Pakistan, and it provides ambulance services, blood banks, and disaster relief to affected communities. The foundation is supported by donations from individuals and organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Asian Development Bank. Edhi's work with the foundation has been recognized by international organizations, such as the Nobel Prize Committee, Time Magazine, and Forbes Magazine.

● Awards and Recognition

Abdul Sattar Edhi received numerous awards and recognition for his humanitarian work, including the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Lenin Peace Prize, and Ramon Magsaysay Award. He was also awarded the Balzan Prize, Templeton Prize, and King Faisal International Prize for his contributions to humanitarian service, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Edhi's work was recognized by world leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, and Malala Yousafzai, who praised his selfless dedication to humanity. He was also honored by Pakistani institutions, including the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force, which recognized his contributions to national service and humanitarian assistance.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Abdul Sattar Edhi's personal life was marked by simplicity, humility, and dedication to his work. He was married to Bilquis Edhi, a nurse who shared his commitment to humanitarian service, and they had two children, Faisal Edhi and Kubra Edhi. Edhi's legacy continues to inspire humanitarian workers, social activists, and community leaders around the world, including Angelina Jolie, Bono, and Desmond Tutu. His work has been studied by universities and research institutions, including Harvard University, Oxford University, and Stanford University, which have recognized his contributions to humanitarian studies and social entrepreneurship.

● Death and Funeral

Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away on July 8, 2016, in Karachi, Pakistan, after a long illness. His death was mourned by world leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan, and Asif Ali Zardari, who praised his selfless dedication to humanity. Edhi's funeral was attended by thousands of people, including Pakistani citizens, humanitarian workers, and international dignitaries, who paid tribute to his legacy and contributions to humanitarian service. He was buried in Edhi Village, a cemetery established by the Edhi Foundation to provide free burial services to the poor and marginalized communities in Pakistan. Category:Biographies of humanitarians