Social activist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Sindhutai Sapkal passed away at the age of 73. Sindhutai had devoted her whole life to improving the lives of these children. Sindhutai was the mother of more than 1400 children. Expressing grief, President Ram Nath Kovind himself said that Sindhutai’s life was an inspirational saga of courage, dedication and service. He loved orphans and tribals very much. Apart from the President, the Prime Minister also expressed his grief over the demise of Dr. Sindhutai. The society will always remember Dr Sindhutai Sapkal for his holy service, he said.
The life of Dr Sindhutai Sapkal was an inspiring saga of courage, dedication and service. She loved & served orphaned, tribals and marginalised people. Conferred with Padma Shri in 2021, she scripted her own story with incredible grit. Condolences to her family and followers. pic.twitter.com/vGgIHDl1Xe
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 4, 2022
Born in a poor family in Wardha, Maharashtra, Sindhutai faced discrimination for a long time since she was a girl. Sindhutai’s mother was opposed to her going to school. Although his father wanted him to go to school. Sindhutai got married at the age of 12. Her husband was 20 years older than her. He would beat them up and abuse them. When Sindhutai was 9 months pregnant, her husband left her. He himself had to give birth to his wife in a cowshed. Even after giving birth, she had cut her belly button with her own hand.
He became very depressed by all these incidents and he started having thoughts of suicide. However, she started living for her baby girl and started living on the railway platform. During this she came in contact with many orphans. After this, whatever orphan child he found, he used to adopt it. Sindhutai adopted more than 1400 children in her life. His family is very big. There are 207 sons-in-law and 36 daughter-in-law in this adopted family of Sindhutai. Apart from this, there are more than 1000 grandchildren. For this work, he has received more than 500 honors including Padma Shri.
Dr. Sindhutai Sapkal will be remembered for her noble service to society. Due to her efforts, many children could lead a better quality of life. She also did a lot of work among marginalized communities. Pained by her demise. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/nPhMtKOeZ4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2022