Sindhutai Sapkal, fondly known as Sindhutai, was an extraordinary Indian social worker and activist whose life journey stands as a testament to the enduring force of love, resilience, and compassion. Born on November 14, 1948, in Pimpri Meghe, Wardha district, she transcended adversity to devote her life to nurturing orphaned and abandoned children in India. Her narrative is one of exceptional challenges, heartaches, and profound triumphs.
Early Struggles and Unyielding Spirit
Sindhutai emerged from a background of abject poverty, labelled as “Chindhi” by her parents, translating to “piece of rag” in Marathi. Beset by economic hardship, she faced early marriage at 12 to Shrihari Sapkal, a man two decades her senior. The union was far from ideal, leading to her expulsion from her marital home at the age of 20, leaving her alone to care for her daughter.
A Mother to the Orphans
Sindhutai’s life took a transformative turn when she found herself in Chikhaldara, resorting to begging for sustenance. It was here that she confronted a heart-wrenching reality – numerous children abandoned by their parents. Stirred by their plight, she embraced them as her own. To feed her burgeoning family, she intensified her begging efforts, demonstrating an unparalleled determination.
Remarkably, she took the extraordinary step of relinquishing her biological daughter to the Shrimant Dagdu Sheth Halwai Trust in Pune, eschewing favouritism and ensuring equal love for all her adopted children.
Advocacy and Societal Impact
Sindhutai’s journey extended beyond mothering orphaned children. She emerged as an advocate for the rights and well-being of tribal villagers displaced by a tiger preservation project. Her unwavering efforts prompted the Minister of Forests to secure alternative relocation for these vulnerable tribal villagers.
Her advocacy also encompassed raising awareness about the predicament of orphaned Adivasi children, providing care in exchange for modest amounts of food – the inception of her lifelong mission.
The Mother of Many
Sindhutai’s selflessness and commitment led to her endearingly being called “Mai,” meaning “mother.” Throughout her lifetime, she nurtured over 1,500 orphaned children, forming a vast family with 382 sons-in-law and 49 daughters-in-law.
Her exceptional work garnered over 700 awards and honours, with award funds directed towards purchasing land for establishing homes for orphaned children.
Legacy of Love
Sindhutai Sapkal’s impact transcended her lifetime. She established multiple organisations dedicated to the welfare of children and the marginalised, leaving an enduring imprint on innumerable lives.
Farewell to an Icon
On January 4, 2022, Sindhutai Sapkal passed away from a heart attack in Pune, Maharashtra, at the age of 73. While her departure left a void, her legacy endures, inspiring and guiding those dedicated to the welfare of the less fortunate.
Honours and Accolades
Sindhutai Sapkal’s exceptional contributions were acknowledged through numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2021. She received the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President of India in 2017 and an honorary doctorate from Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering, Pune, in 2016. Recognitions such as 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 highlighted her selfless work.
Her life remains 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 boundless potential within compassion and selflessness.