Biography of Dashrath Manjhi:
Dashrath Manjhi (October 1934 – August 17, 2007) was an Indian laborer from Gehlaur village in Bihar, who is known for single-handedly carving a path through a hill using only a hammer and chisel. His remarkable feat earned him the nickname “Mountain Man” .
Here is an overview of his life and achievements:
Early Life and Struggle:
Poverty-Stricken Background: Dashrath Manjhi was born into a poor Dalit family in the Gehlaur village of Bihar, India. His family faced extreme poverty and had limited access to basic resources.
Tragic Incident: His wife, Falguni Devi, died due to lack of timely medical treatment because the nearest town was on the other side of a rocky hill. This incident deeply affected Manjhi and motivated him to carve a path through the hill to make healthcare more accessible.
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| Dashrath Manjhi |
Building the Road:
Determined Effort: Starting in 1960, Dashrath Manjhi spent 22 years of his life breaking down the hill that separated his village from the nearest town. Armed with just a hammer, chisel, and his unwavering determination, he chipped away at the hill, working day and night.
Humanitarian Mission: His vision was not just for personal convenience but also to ensure that others in his village wouldn’t suffer the same fate. He wanted to make travel easier for everyone in the region.
Legacy and Recognition to Dashrath Manjhi:
Impact: Dashrath Manjhi’s remarkable achievement reduced the distance between his village and the nearest town from 75 kilometers to just one kilometer.
Recognition: His story gained national and international attention, and he became a symbol of determination and persistence.
Awards: Several awards and honors were bestowed upon him for his extraordinary effort, including the prestigious Padma Shri award, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2006.
Later Life and Death:
Health Issues: In his later years, Manjhi faced health problems due to his advanced age and the strenuous labor he had undertaken.
Death: Dashrath Manjhi passed away on August 17, 2007, due to gall bladder cancer, but his legacy lives on as a testament to the power of determination and the ability of one person to bring about significant change.
Dashrath Manjhi’s story continues to inspire people around the world, reminding them of the extraordinary impact that determination, perseverance, and selflessness can have on the lives of others.