Dasrath Manjhi

Dashrath Manjhi (1934–2007), widely known as the “Mountain Man of India,” was a labourer from the Gaya district of Bihar who became a symbol of perseverance, determination, and human willpower. Driven by personal loss and compassion for his community, he single-handedly carved a 360-foot-long, 30-foot-wide, and 25-foot-deep path through a mountain, reducing the distance between his remote village and the nearest town from 55 kilometres to just 15 kilometres.
His extraordinary feat, accomplished with only a hammer and chisel over 22 years (1960–1982), stands as a testament to individual courage and persistence in the face of adversity.

Early Life and Background

Dashrath Manjhi was born in 1934 into a poor family of the Musahar community, one of the most marginalised groups in India’s caste hierarchy, in Gehlaur village, near Gaya in Bihar. Growing up in poverty, he worked as a daily-wage labourer and farmer. His village was geographically isolated, separated from essential services by a rugged mountain ridge of the Gehlaur Hills.
The villagers of Gehlaur had to travel long distances to reach markets, schools, and medical facilities in the nearby town of Wazirganj, a journey made even more difficult by the mountainous terrain.

The Turning Point

The defining moment in Manjhi’s life came in the late 1950s when his wife, Falguni Devi, was seriously injured after slipping on the mountain path while bringing him food. With no road to the nearest hospital, Dashrath had to travel around the mountain to seek medical help. Tragically, by the time he returned, his wife had died.
Grief-stricken but resolute, Manjhi vowed that no one else in his village would suffer the same fate. He decided to cut a road through the mountain to connect Gehlaur directly to nearby towns and facilities.

The Monumental Task

In 1960, armed with nothing more than basic hand tools — a hammer, chisel, and crowbar — Dashrath began chipping away at the mountain.

• Duration: 22 years (1960–1982)
• Tools: Hammer, chisel, and crowbar (self-funded by selling his goats and working as a labourer).
• Path Dimensions: Approximately 360 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 25 feet deep.
• Outcome: Reduced the distance between Gehlaur and Wazirganj from 55 kilometres to 15 kilometres.

Working alone for decades, he faced ridicule and disbelief from villagers, who initially thought he was mad. But Manjhi’s determination never wavered. As the years passed, his effort gradually gained respect, and locals began to support him by providing food and assistance.

Recognition and Legacy

When the road was finally completed in 1982, it transformed the lives of the people of Gehlaur and surrounding villages. The new passage made access to hospitals, schools, and markets much easier, improving the region’s economic and social conditions.
Eventually, Dashrath Manjhi’s incredible story reached national attention. He became a symbol of human endurance, selflessness, and the power of individual initiative.
Government Recognition:

• The Government of Bihar officially recognised his contribution and proposed his name for a Padma award.
• A road in his honour — the Dashrath Manjhi Path — was constructed and maintained by the state government.
• After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of “Bihar Ratna”.

Cultural Impact:

• His life inspired plays, documentaries, and films, most notably the Hindi biographical film “Manjhi: The Mountain Man” (2015), directed by Ketan Mehta and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
• His story continues to be taught as an example of determination, willpower, and social commitment.

Challenges and Struggles

Manjhi’s journey was not without hardship:

• He endured extreme poverty, often working as a manual labourer during the day to earn money and carving the mountain at night.
• For years, he faced mockery and social isolation, as many thought his mission was futile.
• He received no government assistance during the initial years of his work.

Despite these challenges, his unwavering resolve enabled him to achieve what seemed impossible.

Later Life and Death

After completing the mountain road, Dashrath Manjhi became a local hero and advocate for rural development. He urged the government to build roads, schools, and hospitals in underdeveloped areas like Gehlaur.
In his later years, he continued to live modestly. He was diagnosed with cancer and admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he passed away on 17 August 2007. The Government of Bihar honoured him with a state funeral.

Legacy and Symbolism

Dashrath Manjhi’s life embodies timeless human values of determination, compassion, and self-reliance. His legacy extends beyond physical achievement — it represents the triumph of individual spirit over systemic neglect.
Symbolic Significance:

• Persistence: He demonstrated that perseverance can overcome even nature’s toughest barriers.
• Social Justice: His act of carving the mountain was a protest against inequality and neglect of rural communities.
• Inspiration: Manjhi’s life serves as a motivational example for people across the world, encouraging action against adversity.

Memorials and Cultural Tributes

• The Dashrath Manjhi Welfare Society was established to support social development in his region.
• Schools and public institutions have been named after him to commemorate his contribution.
• The Indian Postal Department issued a postal stamp in his honour.
• His story continues to be celebrated in literature, folk songs, and theatre.