Dashrath Manjhi was born on January 14, 1929, in the village of Gehlour, near Gaya in Bihar, India. He belonged to a poor laborer family and belonged to the Musahar community, a marginalized group in India.
Life and Achievement:
- Dashrath Manjhi is famously known as the "Mountain Man" for his remarkable achievement of carving a path through a mountain in the Gehlour Hills. This path, approximately 110 meters long, 9.1 meters wide, and 7.7 meters deep, was made using simple tools like a hammer and chisel over 22 years (from 1960 to 1982).
- The reason behind this monumental task was deeply personal: Manjhi's wife, Falguni Devi, had to trek around the mountain to access medical help, which led to her untimely death. Manjhi was motivated to ensure that no one else in his village would suffer due to the isolation caused by the mountain.
Death:
- Dashrath Manjhi passed away on August 17, 2007, at the age of 78. He died of gallbladder cancer at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.
- His death was widely mourned, and he was given a state funeral by the Bihar government in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to his community and the country.
Legacy:
- Dashrath Manjhi's life is a powerful symbol of determination, resilience, and the impact one individual can have on society. His story continues to inspire people worldwide, emphasizing that even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome with persistence and dedication.
- His life and work have been commemorated in various forms, including books, documentaries, and the 2015 Bollywood film "Manjhi: The Mountain Man," which brought his story to a wider audience.
Dashrath Manjhi's life and achievements have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire many to strive for change, no matter the challenges they face.
