PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Prakash Baba Amte
Profession: Social worker
Date of Birth: 26 December 1948 (Sunday)
Age (as of 2024 ): 76 Years
Birthplace: Anandawana, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra, India
Zodiac sign/Sun sign: Capricorn
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Anandawana, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra, India
Religion: Hinduism
Age: 76 Years
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EDUCATION
College/University: Government Medical College (Nagpur)
Educational Qualification: M.B.B.S. MS General Surgery
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 173 cm in meters – 1.73 m in feet inches – 5’ 8”
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Wife/Spouse: Mandakini Amte (Doctor, Social Worker)
Children: Son(s) – Dr. Digant Amte, Aniket Amte Daughter – Arti Amte
Parents: Father – Baba Amte Mother – Sadhana Tai Amte
Siblings: Brother – Vikas Amte (Doctor, Social Worker) Sister – None
Father: Baba Amte
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Awards, Honours, Achievements: 1984: Awarded Adivasi Sevak Award from the Government of Maharashtra, India 2002: Honoured with Padma Shri award by the Government of India 2008: He jointly received Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership with his wife, Mandakini Amte 2009: Awarded Godfrey Philips Lifetime Achievement Award 2012: Received Lokmanya Tilak Award Jointly with Dr. Vikas Amte (his brother) 2014: Awarded Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice
OTHER INFORMATION
Hobbies: Reading, Cycling, Listening To Radio
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Prakash Amte, the son of the esteemed Magsaysay awardee Baba Amte, has dedicated his life to the ideals of social service and community upliftment. Following in his father’s footsteps, Prakash made a pivotal decision during his studies for an M.S. degree when the Government of Maharashtra allocated land to Lok Biradari Prakalp, the social organization founded by Baba Amte in 1973. This turning point led Prakash to prioritize his family’s legacy of humanitarian work, prompting him to relocate to Hemalkasa with his family. There, he embraced the challenges of rural life, committing himself to the development of the Madia Gond community, an indigenous group in the region.
At Lok Biradari Prakalp, Prakash has been instrumental in establishing a multifaceted institution that includes a school, a hospital, and an animal orphanage, all geared towards serving the local community. Living without electricity for nearly two decades, he executed numerous emergency medical procedures under challenging conditions. His dedication to treating the tribal population of Hemalkasa exemplifies his deep commitment to both human and animal welfare. In recognition of his efforts, a postage stamp was issued by the Principality of Monaco in 1995, honoring both him and his wife, Mandakini, for their contributions to society.
In line with his vision for animal welfare, Prakash founded Animal Ark, a wildlife orphanage and sanctuary designed for animals whose parents have been killed by tribal hunters seeking food. The inception of Animal Ark is rooted in a poignant real-life experience: while walking through the Dandarayana forest, Prakash and his wife encountered a group of Gond tribals who were carrying both a dead and a live baby monkey. After learning that the tribals hunted to feed their community, Prakash bartered some rice and clothes for the living monkey, whom he named Babli. This encounter marked the beginning of Animal Ark, which now shelters an array of wild animals, including leopards, jackals, and crocodiles.
Despite the inherent dangers of working with wildlife, Prakash Amte maintains that his long-standing relationship with these animals has fostered mutual trust and affection. He has spent over 44 years interacting with them, confidently asserting that he has always felt safe in their presence. His bond with the Adivasi community remains strong, as he continues to assist them with everyday tasks, such as repairing their watches and radios. In 2014, his life and work were celebrated in the biopic “Dr. Prakash Baba Amte: The Real Hero,” featuring prominent actors Nana Patekar and Sonali Kulkarni.
In November 2017, Prakash faced a significant legal challenge when his license to house wild animals, obtained in 1991, expired, putting him at odds with wildlife protection laws. Undeterred, he has continued his advocacy for both the animals in his care and the communities he serves. In 2018, he and his wife made a brief appearance on the popular game reality show “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” further raising awareness of their work. Prakash Amte’s autobiography, titled “Prakashvata,” or “Pathways to Light,” alongside his book “Raanmitra” (meaning “Jungle Friends”), encapsulates his extraordinary experiences and enduring love for the wild and the people he serves. His life’s mission, vibrant and full of challenges, embodies a profound commitment to compassion and community upliftment.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.
