Adoption Activist Sindhutai Sapkal: A Notable Figure in India's Welfare Efforts
Sindhutai Sapkal: The Mother of Orphans
Sindhutai Sapkal, affectionately known as "Maai" (Mother), dedicated her life to caring for orphaned children across India. Born into poverty and abandoned at the age of 20, Sindhutai turned her personal adversity into a lifelong mission that would change the lives of thousands of vulnerable children.
Over her lifetime, Sindhutai adopted and raised more than 2,100 orphaned children and founded multiple shelters to provide them with education, healthcare, and shelter[2][5]. Her work not only provided direct care to these children but also highlighted the importance of social responsibility, female empowerment, and grassroots activism in India’s child welfare ecosystem[2][5].
A Life Transformed
Sindhutai's life took a dramatic turn when her husband apologized to her at the age of nearly 80, and she informed him that she could only accept him as a child, not as a spouse[1]. This moment encapsulated Sindhutai's unwavering dedication to her mission, even in the face of personal hardship.
National Recognition
Sindhutai's efforts were not overlooked. She received numerous awards, including the Rajai Award, Sahyadri Hirkani Award, Shivlila Mahila Gaurav Award, Dattak Mata Purskar, Women of the Year Award for 2008, Ahilyabai Holkar Prize, COEP Gaurav Puraskar, Real Heroes Awards, The National Award for Iconic Mother, Mother Teresa Prizes for Social Justice, Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Award, Wockhardt Foundation's Social Worker of the Year award, Honorary Doctorate Award, Nari Shakti Puraskar, and Padma Shri in the Social Work category[2].
A Lasting Legacy
Sindhutai passed away on January 4, 2022, at a private hospital in Pune as a result of a heart attack. She was 74. Despite her passing, her legacy continues to inspire social activism in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted in honor of Sindhutai, recognising her honorable service to society and the impact she had on the lives of many[6].
In his condolence speech, Ananth Mahadeven, who directed the biopic on Sindhutai's life, referred to her as "the Florence Nightingale who touched many lives and changed them." Sindhutai's life's work is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of turning personal adversity into a force for good.
Foundations and Shelters
Sindhutai established numerous foundations and shelters across India, including the Mother Global Foundation, Sanmati Bal Niketan in Bhelhekar Vasti, Manjri, Hadapsar, Pune, Mamata Bal Sadan in Kumbharvalan near Saswad, Purandar taluka, Savitribai Phule Mulinche Vasatigruh (Girls' Hostel) in Chikhaldara, Amravati, Abhiman Bal Bhavan in Wardha, Gangadhar Baba Chhatralaya in Guha shirdi, Saptsindhu' Mahila Adhar, Balsangopan Aani Shikshan Sanstha in Pune, Shree Manshanti Chatralaya in Shirur, Vanvasi Gopal Krishna Bahuuddeshiya Mandal in Amravati, and Vanvasi Gopalkrushna Shikshan Krida Prasarak Mandal in Amravati[5].
Sindhutai often said, "I am still a beggar." "Humans or humanity cannot contain hunger. People are not evil; rather, hunger makes people evil." Despite her many accomplishments, Sindhutai remained humble, always remembering the needs of those she served[3].
In summary, Sindhutai Sapkal's biography is one of overcoming abandonment and poverty to become a maternal beacon for thousands of orphans. Her legacy, built on adoption, shelter founding, and social advocacy, continues to influence orphan care in India[1][2][5].
[1] Times of India [2] BBC [3] The Hindu [4] NDTV [5] The Indian Express [6] Narendra Modi's Twitter
- After adopting and raising over 2,100 orphans, Sindhutai Sapkal founded multiple shelters for children, offering them education, healthcare, and shelter.
- Sindhutai's lifelong mission extended beyond orphan care to encompass social responsibility, female empowerment, and grassroots activism.
- In her later years, Sindhutai's dedication remained unwavering, even if it meant forgiving her husband as a child, not a spouse.
- Sindhutai's immense contributions were recognized with numerous awards, ranging from the Rajai Award to the Padma Shri in the Social Work category.
- Following Sindhutai's passing in 2022, her legacy continues to inspire social activism in India and beyond, touching countless lives.
- Alongside her work, Sindhutai often expressed her humble perspective, acknowledging that hunger often drives people to act in less compassionate ways.
