Renowned social workers Dr Prakash Amte will be awarded with the honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt) degree and Dr Mandakini Prakash Amte will also be felicitated by The Maharashtra University of Health Science (MUHS) for their exemplary work in the area of health of the tribal people in the region of Hemalkasa in Gadchiroli . This was announced in the Senate meeting of the varsity.
The name of Dr Prakash Amte was suggested by Minister for Health and Medical Education Girish Mahajan and like wise proposed by pro vice chancellor office, which was accepted by the management council and approved by the Senate. This was announced by vice chancellor Dr Dilip Mhaiskar.
Dr Prakash and Dr Mandakini Amte started providing medical aid to the people who lived in the remote jungles of Hemalkasa from the time when medicine or health services were not known to the people there. Working against all odds, and consistently for more than 40 years, they started project Lok Biradari Prakalp in 1973. Fighting various challenges from infrastructure like unavailability of roads, electricity, telephones, equipment, and the mindset of the tribals, the two worked relentlessly. Today, Lok Biradari runs a hospital, a dispensary, a residential ashram school for the tribal children and also Amte's animal park. The project has influenced the lives of around 40,000 individuals in areas of health and education.
Speaking to DNA about the announcement, Dr Amte who is also a recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award, a Padma Shri and many more says he dosen't know how to react. The only thing he says he knows is there is lots to be done.
"I never thought about gaining awards as I am working but they have helped in drawing attention of the youth who are giving a positive response," said Dr Prakash Amte, adding thatmany ask how can they contribute to the cause.
