Gehlaur village

 Dashrath Manjhi also known as the Mountain Man

Introduction

Have you ever heard of someone who broke a mountain with just a hammer and chisel? Sounds like a myth, right? Well, let me introduce you to Dashrath Manjhi — a man from Bihar, India, who did just that. Known as the "Mountain Man," his story is one of raw determination, heartbreaking love, and unbelievable grit. This isn’t just a tale — it’s a real-life saga of a man versus a mountain.

Early Life of Dashrath Manjhi

Dashrath Manjhi was born in 1934 in a small village called Gehlaur near Gaya, Bihar. He belonged to the Musahar community — one of the lowest and poorest castes in India. Life was hard. Survival depended on working as a laborer or eating whatever scraps they could find. Education was a distant dream, and basic facilities were nonexistent.

But despite the poverty and struggles, young Dashrath was spirited. He had a spark in him that life’s harshness couldn’t extinguish.

The Tragedy That Changed Everything 

Dashrath’s life took a drastic turn when his wife, Falguni Devi, fell ill. The nearest doctor was in a town that was 55 kilometers away — thanks to a mountain that stood between Gehlaur and the next village. She died before she could get the help she needed.

This loss hit Dashrath hard. But instead of falling into despair, he made a decision that shocked everyone — he would cut a road through the mountain so no one else would suffer like he did.

The Start of the Journey

Imagine starting a project so big that even a machine would take months to complete — and doing it all by hand. That’s what Manjhi did. Every day, under the scorching sun, he chipped away at the rock. He used no modern tools, had no team, and no financial support.

At first, even his village thought he’d lost his mind. But that didn’t stop him.

The Legacy Lives On

Dashrath’s path became more than just a shortcut. It became a symbol of what one person can do with enough passion and determination. The government eventually took notice and built a proper road in his honor. Schools now use his story to teach perseverance. His name is etched in the hearts of millions.