In the Presence of a Living Legend: A Reflection on Meeting Dr. Prakash Amte

August 20, 2025 – Today was no ordinary day. As I attended the launch of a book on Operation Thunder-Nagpur City Police’s anti-drug campaign-I had the rare and humbling opportunity to meet Dr. Prakash Amte, a man whose life has become a beacon of service, courage, and silent revolution.

While the book launch itself marked a crucial step in our fight against drug abuse, especially among the youth, it was Dr. Amte’s presence on this day, August 20, that truly defined the moment. He didn’t come with fanfare. He didn’t speak of accomplishments. Yet, the room fell silent the moment he stood to address us-students, officers, and citizens alike. His calm, grounded presence radiated something few possess: purpose.

Dr. Amte shared his journey not with grandeur, but with humility. Born to the legendary Baba Amte, he inherited not just a legacy, but a calling. After completing his medical education, he made a life-altering decision-to serve tribal communities in one of the most remote corners of Maharashtra: Hemalkasa. He didn’t have to. He could have lived a comfortable life. But he chose otherwise.

Together with his wife, Dr. Mandakini Amte, he founded Lok Biradari Prakalp in 1973. With no electricity, no roads, and no modern facilities, they built what many would have deemed impossible-a hospital, a school, and a community of trust. He spoke of treating snake bites with minimal tools, of performing surgeries by torchlight, and of rescuing wild animals and raising them with love. It wasn’t just about medicine-it was about dignity, education, and equality for those forgotten by mainstream society.

Listening to him, I was struck by a simple truth: service is not an act-it’s a way of life.

As a police officer, I often deal with justice, law, and enforcement. But today, Dr. Amte reminded me-and all of us-that true justice begins with empathy. We cannot serve people unless we understand them. We cannot protect society unless we feel its pain. His life stands as a testament to this truth.

To the youth reading this: I urge you to look beyond material success. Real leadership is not loud. It’s quiet, consistent, and compassionate. Dr. Amte didn’t chase applause. He followed his calling. And in doing so, he impacted thousands-without ever asking for recognition.

While Operation Thunder is our mission to reclaim our city from the grip of drugs, meeting Dr. Amte made it clear that enforcement alone is not enough. We need compassion. We need awareness. And above all, we need the will to act-not just as officers, but as human beings.

Let us carry this inspiration forward-not just as a moment, but as a mindset. “Meeting someone like Dr. Amte humbles you. It reminds us that the heart of public service lies not in authority, but in understanding. Unless we connect with the people’s psyche, we cannot truly deliver justice.”

Dr Ravinder Singal, IPS

Commissioner of Police, Nagpur City

https://ravindersingal.com/

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