People took to social media to honor philanthropist, humanitarian and social activist Abdul Sattar Edhi on his 5th death anniversary.

Edhi passed away at the age of 88 in 2016, after a long struggle with renal disease. Known to be humble person, today he is being remembered for the services he provided to the people of the country, especially the marginalized segments of society. He is widely recognized for laying the foundations of the largest volunteer ambulance service that continues to serve people to this day.

He is still remembered as the “richest poor man” and as someone who raised orphans, cared for the homeless, buried the unclaimed and provided immediate aid in the face of natural disasters and accidents.

Born in Gujarat, India on the February 23, 1928, Edhi migrated to Pakistan during Partition in 1947 with his family and put down his roots in Karachi. Starting a dispensary in 1951,he spent the next 65 years of his life serving the the marginalized and the oppressed.

With the passage of time, the Edhi Foundation expanded its services, establishing clinics, maternity homes, homes for the disabled, blood banks, orphanages, adoption centers, shelters and schools that still serve the public. Moreover, Edhi Foundation expanded its services internationally and today serves the marginalized population of various countries around the world. Edhi was acknowledged for his work both nationally and worldwide and received several awards.

In Pakistan he was the recipient of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the Social Worker of the Subcontinent by the Sindh Government, the Pakistan Civic Award from the Pakistan Civic Society in 1992 and the Shield of Honor by the Pakistan Army.

Edhi was also given the Roman Magsaysay Award by the Philippines in 1986 and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary International Foundation in 1993. He was also awarded by UNESCO in 2009, the Madanjeet Singh Prize, for his work in promoting tolerance and non-violence and an award recognizing his life-long efforts to reform the conditions of the most disadvantaged groups in Pakistan.

Five years after his death, he is remembered through a loving name given to him by the people – Baba-e-Khidmat – for his noble and gentle disposition and his altruism which readily extended a helping hand to many.

Many took their remembrances to Twitter, tweeting words of admiration for the philanthropist.

Some posted pictures and quotes of Edhi’s sayings, highlighting the focus he put on humanitarian work.

Others praised him by mentioning who he helped and what he stood for