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com | Saturday 8 July 2017 9

a hero’s legacy
By MARYAM DODHY
editor@leaderonomics.com Like this article?
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O
NE of the greatest humani-
tarians of the world, Abdul
Sattar Edhi, passed away
exactly a year ago (July 8,
2016). The void he left might
never be filled, but his legacy will live
forever in the hearts of his loved ones,
in the actions of his followers and in the
good deeds of those who want to serve
humanity.
Edhi Foundation – founded and boot-
strapped by the man himself – was start-
ed with a mere sum of 5,000 rupees.
But with leadership, focus and a pas-
sion for serving humanity, Edhi turned
this establishment into one of the most
successful charitable foundations in the
world.
Edhi’s whole life is a case study that
we should all learn from and apply in our
lives. Here are some life-changing lessons
from the man’s extraordinary life that
will be helpful for entrepreneurs, leaders
of tomorrow, or anyone who just strives
to live a better life.
6 Lessons From the life of Abdul Sattar Edhi
1 Never judge others
Edhi was one of the least judg-
mental people. It was one of his most
defining traits that allowed him to serve
everyone equally regardless of where they
came from. If we judge someone based
on how they look or what they may have
done, we unconsciously wire our brain to
see just what we want to see.
Every encounter we have with that
person will be measured against that
first judgment. This means that based
on your first impression of someone,
which is often deceptive, you will prob-
ably never get to discover the best part of
their personality.
Edhi was often regarded as the most
tolerant – which came from his unflinch-
ing ability to accept people as they are.
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3 Accolades
don’t matter
You cannot be a true humanitarian
5 Don’t wait for
others to change
the world
unless you have closely seen misery, Be the change you want to see in the
hardship and suffering. Edhi had world.
witnessed all these things and more. The Edhi Foundation was founded
He had no interest in worldly prizes and in 1951 and Edhi was just 23 years old
accolades. To him, caring for people came and his main aim was to become the
naturally and he was more than happy caregiver for the poor and helpless. In the
to do it. years that followed, he single-handedly
transformed the face of welfare in
Awards and prizes bring you Pakistan.
momentary fame but what lives on
forever is the legacy you create with
your work. If something about the way the
world runs bothers you, don’t sit Influencing others
Despite the numerous accolades he around waiting for someone else requires some form
was awarded during his lifetime, he was to change it. Because others don’t of authority or
never presented the Nobel Peace Prize. A see the world as you do. Be brave appeal but we at
few years ago, Malala Yousafzai’s father enough to see your vision through Leaderonomics say

2 Humanity
above religion
He was once asked, “Why must you
pick up Christians and Hindus in your
ambulance?”, his reply was, “Because the
ambulance is more Muslim than you.”
All religions of this world emphasise
on empathy, care, peace, co-existence
and love. It is easy to be carried away
by certain religious beliefs . But what
is difficult – and truly exemplary – is
the ability to transcend something so
started an online petition to award Edhi to the end. you can influence
with a Nobel Peace Prize. The petition others without
garnered a large number of signatures authority. Lead and
from some of Pakistan’s biggest names. The start was rough but eventually execute change
However, Edhi, the down-to-earth person money started pouring in, people began management
that he was, expressed no interest in it. giving generous donations and gradually strategies by
Awards and prizes bring you momen- Edhi’s vision came to life. The orphaned applying the right
tary fame but what lives on forever is children, abandoned women, helpless tactics through
the legacy you create with your work. No elderly persons and the homeless all our Influencing
one embodies it better than Abdul Sattar found a guardian. Without Authority
Edhi. So, if something about the way the Simulation.
world runs bothers you, don’t sit around Contact training@

4 Head
deep and personal like religion, to help down, focus
another individual no matter the dif- on your work
ferences. When running an organisation, it is
Edhi was just that – a human easy to be carried away with good things
being who believed in love that come bundled along the way, espe-
and empathy irrespective
of religion, cast, creed
and gender. His
cially money and fame, but Edhi wasn’t
interested in any of these.
Edhi Foundation had a very humble
strong emphasis on beginning. He personally requested peo-
humanity above ple on the streets to donate funds to buy
religion helped an ambulance. It was his sheer focus and
him grow his passion that moved the organisation for-
organisation beyond ward. With focus, Edhi and his volunteers
the borders. continued to work relentlessly for the
foundation.
Today, Edhi Foundation runs the
world’s largest ambulance service that
offers 24 hours of emergency services.
The foundation also has shelter homes,
Abdul hospitals with free medical care and drug
Sattar Edhi rehabilitation centres. All of this would
not have been possible without focus.
waiting for someone else to change it. leaderonomics.com
Because others don’t see the world as for details.
you do. Be brave enough to see your
vision through to the end.
6 Just do it,
don’t be afraid
When you want something, the uni- n Maryam loves
verse conspires in helping you to achieve bringing to light
it. stories of extraordinary
It is natural to have second thoughts people working in
and doubts on your abilities – every- Pakistan’s technology
body does. If you’re waiting for the right and start-up industry.
moment, stop waiting because it may She is a geek who likes
never come. The right moment is now. to immerse herself in
There will be times when everything codes and has a knack
seems to go against you but learn how to of solving real world
brave the storm. problems through
All you need is determination and pas- software engineering.
sion to see you through. This is exactly To connect with
what Abdul Sattar Edhi did. Take the leap her, e-mail editor@
for what you believe in! leaderonomics.com

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