Who was he?
Abdul Sattar Edhi was a humble Pakistani philanthropist, ascetic, and humanitarian who founded the Edhi Foundation, which runs hospitals, homeless shelters, rehab centres, and orphanages across Pakistan. He dedicated his entire life to serving humanity and his efforts can be seen across Pakistan today.
What did he do?
He founded the world’s largest ambulance service, which was run by volunteers and Pakistan. Starting his philanthropy at the age of 20, penniless in Karachi, where he lived most of his life, in a humble and efficient way.
Edhi began his foundation by “begging for donations” and “people gave”. This allowed him to convert a tiny room into a medical dispensary. He also bought an ambulance that he drove around. He was the CEO, the fundraiser, the ambulance driver, the paramedic as well the counsellor. Working night and day for the service of humanity, whilst maintaining his modest life, even in during the twilight of his life, when he was ill, refusing international treatment he stayed in Pakistan and received treatment at his hospitals, claiming if they are good enough for all Pakistanis.
His work today is raising more donations, his humanitarian reach expanded across the country and now recruits volunteers to serve humanity. He is quoted as saying when asked why he helped non-Muslims, he said: “Because my ambulance is more Muslim than you.” His humanitarian efforts had no boundaries as he often raised money for international causes, raising a $100,000 for the victims of hurricane Katrina and thousands for the Ethiopian famine in 1985.
What did Google do?
And today google doodled him, with a fitting testament to honour, recognise and celebrate the life of great Pakistani who would have been 89 today. Google celebrates the life and work of Pakistan’s revered philanthropist with a new Doodle, picturing the bearded figure of Edhi standing near one of his signature emergency response vehicles, a family visiting a health clinic, and an open book.
Good reads all praising tribute to the great man
Thousands attend funeral for Pakistan’s legendary Edhi Al Jazeera
Abdul Sattar Edhi: Five things you didn’t know about ‘Pakistan’s Mother Theresa’ The Independent
Google’s New Doodle Celebrates the Founder of the World’s Largest Network of Volunteer Ambulances. Time.com
Social Media
What an amazing gesture by Google.#Edhi pic.twitter.com/rvIWOeiey6
— Rida Hussain (@AraySunno) February 27, 2017
"My religion is humanitarianism, which is the basis of every religion in the world. #Edhi pic.twitter.com/keA9qTfqi6
— Tayyab Sadiq (@tayabsadiq) February 27, 2017
At the time of #Edhi 's death, he and his wife Bilquis were registered as parents or guardians of tens of thousands of #Pakistan children.
— Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) February 28, 2017
