Sindhutai Sapkal, fondly known as Sindhutai, was an exceptional Indian social worker and activist whose life narrative stands as a testament to the enduring force of love, resilience, and compassion. Born on November 14, 1948, in Pimpri Meghe, Wardha district, she triumphed over adversity and dedicated her life to the welfare of orphaned and abandoned children in India. Her journey was an extraordinary one, marked by challenges, heartaches, and immense triumphs.
Early Struggles and Resilience
Sindhutai was born into abject poverty, and her parents, grappling with dire circumstances, labelled her as “Chindhi,” Marathi for “piece of rag.” Her challenges were not solely economic but also deeply personal. Married off at the tender age of 12 to Shrihari Sapkal, a man two decades her senior, her marital life was far from ideal. By the age of 20, she found herself forcibly expelled from her home by her husband, thrusting her into the sole responsibility of caring for her daughter.
A Mother to the Orphans
Sindhutai’s life took a dramatic turn when she landed in Chikhaldara, where she resorted to begging for sustenance. Here, she confronted a heart-wrenching reality: numerous children abandoned by their parents. Touched by their plight, she embraced them as her own. To feed her ever-expanding family, she intensified her begging efforts, showcasing unwavering determination.
Remarkably, she took the unprecedented step of relinquishing her biological daughter to the Shrimant Dagdu Sheth Halwai Trust in Pune, ensuring no bias between her own child and the numerous adopted children she had embraced.
Advocacy and Social Impact
Sindhutai’s journey extended beyond mothering orphaned children. She emerged as an advocate for the rights and welfare of tribal villagers displaced due to a tiger preservation project. Her relentless efforts and resilience garnered acknowledgement from the Minister of Forests, resulting in alternative relocation arrangements for the distressed tribal villagers.
Her advocacy further extended to addressing the predicament of orphaned and abandoned Adivasi children, providing them care in exchange for modest amounts of food. This marked the inception of her enduring mission.
The Mother of Many
Sindhutai’s selflessness and commitment led to her endearingly being called “Mai,” meaning “mother.” Over her lifetime, she nurtured more than 1,500 orphaned children. Through her boundless love and compassion, she forged an extensive family, boasting 382 sons-in-law and 49 daughters-in-law.
Her exceptional work garnered over 700 awards and honours, and she utilised award funds to procure land for establishing homes for orphaned children.
Legacy of Love
Sindhutai Sapkal’s legacy transcended her lifetime. She founded several organisations dedicated to the welfare of children and the marginalised, leaving an enduring impact on countless lives.
A Farewell to an Icon
On January 4, 2022, Sindhutai Sapkal passed away from a heart attack in Pune, Maharashtra, at the age of 73. Her departure created a void, but her legacy continues to inspire and guide those committed to the welfare of the less fortunate.
Honours and Awards
Sindhutai Sapkal’s remarkable contributions earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2021. The President of India honoured her with the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2017, and she received an honorary doctorate from Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering, Pune, in 2016. Her altruistic work was also acknowledged with the Social Worker of the Year award from the Wockhardt Foundation in 2016, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize in 2014, and the Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice in 2013.
Her life stands as a testament to the transformative power of an individual’s love and determination to uplift the marginalised and abandoned. Sindhutai Sapkal’s narrative continues to inspire, reminding us of the limitless possibilities of compassion and selflessness.
