Member-only story

Manjhi – The Mountain Man: An Inspiring Tale of Determination and Resilience

Carlos Fuentes

·6.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Manjhi The Boatman

4 min read

1k View Claps

56 Respond

Save

Listen

Manjhi, the Boatman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

Dashrath Manjhi, an unassuming laborer from Gehlaur village in India, became known as the 'Mountain Man' for his extraordinary feat of carving a road through a mountain with only a hammer and chisel. His unwavering determination and resilience transformed the lives of his community and left a lasting legacy of inspiration.

Manjhi's story began in the 1960s when his wife, Falguni Devi, tragically passed away due to lack of timely medical attention. The nearest hospital was located on the other side of a mountain, and the arduous journey delayed her access to proper care. Driven by grief and a desire to prevent others from suffering the same fate, Manjhi resolved to carve a road through the mountain that separated his village from the nearest town.

Armed with only a hammer and chisel, Manjhi began his solitary endeavor. Day after day, he would spend hours chiseling away at the hard rock, often working long into the night by moonlight. The task seemed insurmountable, but Manjhi refused to give up. He faced numerous challenges along the way, including skepticism and ridicule from the villagers, but he remained undeterred.

Over the course of 22 years, Manjhi tirelessly carved away at the mountain, gradually creating a path that would eventually span over 360 feet in length and 30 feet in width. The sheer magnitude of his accomplishment is a testament to his extraordinary determination and unwavering belief in the power of human will.

In 1982, after 22 years of relentless effort, Manjhi finally completed his mountainous road. This remarkable achievement transformed the lives of the people of Gehlaur village. The road provided access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities that were previously inaccessible. The once-isolated community was now connected to the rest of the world.

Manjhi's story became a symbol of hope and inspiration for people around the world. His unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity serves as a reminder that anything is possible if we set our minds to it. Manjhi's legacy lives on through the road that he carved, a testament to the transformative power of one person's determination.

Today, Dashrath Manjhi is celebrated as a national hero in India. His life story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, including the acclaimed 2015 Bollywood film 'Manjhi – The Mountain Man'. His unwavering determination and resilience continue to inspire countless people to overcome their own challenges and strive for a better future.

In recognition of his extraordinary achievement, Manjhi was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2006. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 73, but his legacy continues to live on through the road that he carved, a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

Manjhi, the Boatman

5 out of 5