Abdul Sattar Eidhi - A Great Philanthropist

Abdul Sattar Eidhi was a renowned philanthropist, social worker, and humanitarian from Pakistan. He was born on 28th February 1928 in Bantva, a small village in the Indian state of Gujarat. He was the founder of the Eidhi Foundation, one of the largest non-profit organizations in Pakistan, providing a range of services to the poor and needy, including healthcare, education, and disaster relief.

Eidhi grew up in a family that believed in helping the poor and the underprivileged. His mother, who suffered from paralysis, played a significant role in shaping his humanitarian values. She used to offer a small amount of money to any needy person who visited their home. These experiences left a profound impact on Eidhi, and he developed a lifelong commitment to serving humanity.

In 1947, when Pakistan gained independence, Eidhi migrated to Karachi with his family. He started his career as a cloth merchant but soon realized that his true calling was social work. In 1951, he established a small medical dispensary with his savings and started providing free medical treatment to the poor. This marked the beginning of the Eidhi Foundation, which later grew to become a network of clinics, orphanages, and shelter homes.

Eidhi was known for his selfless devotion to his work. He lived a simple life and dedicated himself to serving the needy. He used to say that he had no time for personal pursuits as he was busy serving humanity. He worked tirelessly and often risked his life to provide relief to the victims of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones. He was also known for his efforts to promote peace and interfaith harmony in Pakistan.

One of the most remarkable things about Eidhi was his ability to mobilize people and resources. He inspired countless individuals to join his cause and helped them to become volunteers. He also managed to attract significant donations from the public and the government, which he used to expand the scope of his work.

Eidhi received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to society. In 1986, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, considered to be Asia's Nobel Prize. He also received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian award, in 2006. However, he remained humble and never sought recognition for his work.

Eidhi passed away on 8th July 2016, at the age of 88. His death was mourned by people across Pakistan and beyond, who remembered him as a true humanitarian and a national hero. His legacy lives on through the Eidhi Foundation, which continues to provide essential services to the underprivileged.

In conclusion, Abdul Sattar Eidhi was an exceptional human being who dedicated his life to serving humanity. His selflessness, courage, and compassion inspired millions of people and earned him a place in the hearts of Pakistanis and people around the world. His legacy is a reminder that we can all make a difference in the world by serving others and that the true measure of a person's life is the impact they have on the lives of others.