New Delhi, Aug 17
Ahead of his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi on his death anniversary and said that the latter will "always continue to inspire us all".
In a post on the social media platform X in Hindi, he said that Manjhi's "struggle reminds us that if intentions are strong, no obstacle is too big".
"His determination and passion to accomplish what he set out to do will always inspire us all," Rahul Gandhi said.
Notably, Manjhi was known as 'Mountain Man' for single-handedly carving a path through a hill in Gehlaur village to connect it with Wajirganj block in Bihar's Gaya district.
Dashrath Manjhi, a native of Gehlaur village, cut a mountain to make a road between his village and Wazirganj. It took him 22 years to work every day with a hammer and a chisel.
When his wife died in 1959 after being injured from falling from the mountain, and the same mountain blocked easy access to a nearby hospital in time, he decided to carve a path.
With this feat done single-handedly, he is revered by the Manjhi community.
Noting his contribution, a stamp featuring Dashrath Manjhi was released by India Post in the "Personalities of Bihar" series on December 26, 2016.
A Hindi movie, 'Manjhi - The Mountain Man', was released and well-received.
Dashrath Manjhi has a larger-than-life image among the Musahar community.
The Bihar government has built a statue and memorial of Dashrath Manjhi. Gehlaur is one of the tourist attractions in the district.
A large number of Buddhists come to Bodh Gaya every year, and the majority of them also visit the memorial of the Mountain Man.
Majhi's son, Bhagirath Manjhi, is a Congress leader and was inducted into the grand old party days after participating in the 'Samvidhaan Suraksha Sammelan' in Patna.
Dashrath Manjhi's son-in-law, Mithun Manjhi, is in the JD(U).
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate Rahul Gandhi's tribute, I wish politicians would do more than just tweet about such heroes. Where are the schemes to help rural communities build infrastructure? Manjhi's village still lacks proper roads even today.
Saw the Manjhi movie with my family - we all cried! 😢 This man's story should be taught in every school. Forget superheroes, THIS is real heroism. His memorial should be made a national monument.
Interesting how both his son and son-in-law are in different political parties. Shows that Manjhi's legacy transcends politics. But I hope they're working for the people, not just doing politics in his name.
Visited the memorial last year during my Bodh Gaya trip. The road he built is still being used by villagers! But the area needs better facilities - no proper toilets or drinking water. Government should develop it properly.
My grandfather used to tell me Manjhi's story when I was little. It taught me never to give up. Now I tell it to my children. Some heroes don't need capes - just a hammer and unbreakable will! ðŸ‘
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