Baba Amte was an Indian social activist known for his work helping people with leprosy. In 1973, he founded Anandwan, a self-sufficient village that provides rehabilitation and empowerment for those suffering from leprosy. Anandwan operates on principles of dignity and empowerment for all residents through communal living and work. Baba Amte believed work builds people up while charity can destroy their self-respect, and he aimed to overcome social stigma through community.

1. Baba AmteMurlidharDevidasAmte, popularly known as Baba Amte.Born on 26 December 1914 in Hinganghat, Maharashtra.

2. Baba Amte was an Indian social worker and social activist known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of poor people suffering from leprosy.In 1973, he founded the LokBiradariPrakalpto work among the MadiaGond tribal people of Gadchiroli District.

3. AnandwanAnandwan is the realization of the dream of one man- Baba Amte and the enduring efforts of the organization he set up.Anandwan is a self-contained village where everyone pitches in to do their share.Meals are cooked in communal kitchens. Men and women work in the fields, plant trees in their downtime, and work in the various workshops.

4. Principal valuesIn the inviolable, irreplaceable, intrinsic worth of each human being;That however severe his or her disability may be; each person has uniquely invaluable gifts and capabilities to give to the world;That an attempt must be made to overcome any disability; however great it may seem;That social prejudice, taboos, and ignorance can all be overcome;That as important as physical cure, if not more, is the restoration of the person's sense of self-respect and dignity;That to achieve this, the way forward is not charity but empowerment, even of the most challenged.

5. These are no ordinary workers. They are neither laborers who require supervision and monitoring to ensure efficient production; nor are they self-employed, self-exploiting, small-scale producers.These are people working with a motivation, born out of a sense of belonging to a shared community, which is very much their own, for which they are collectively responsible. It is this feeling that engenders a deep sense of self-respect and dignity among the citizens of Anandwan.

6. A glimpse of the craftsmanshipTake a look at the intricate craftsmanship of these hands. One can begin to understand the deep insight underlying Baba's conviction that "Work builds, charity destroys."

7. Gokul, Uttarayan, SnehSavali, Loti Raman Home for Senior Citizens (Wisdom Bank), SukhSadan (The House of Happiness)Anandwan Hospital- Over the last 50 years, nearly 35,000 leprosy patients have been treated or cured at this hospital.Established in 1995, the Yuvagram project is a training center which gives the youths six months of training in a marketable trade, after which they can return to their villages in a stronger position to secure employment.

8. Famous Quotes by Baba Amte"Add life to years, not years to life... Tomorrow is dawning!""Happiness dies when not shared" "One can live without fingers, but not self-respect."

9. AwardsPadam Shree- 1997PadamVibhushan- 1986