Sindhutai Sapkal (1948-2022)

Sindhutai’s early life was marked by adversity. Born on November 14, 1948, in the Wardha district of Maharashtra, her family was extremely poor. Despite her father’s encouragement to attend school, her education was cut short when she was forced to leave school after passing the fourth grade. Her family soon arranged her marriage at the age of 12 to a man more than 20 years her senior.

Life with her husband in Nawargaon, a small village, proved challenging, but Sindhutai’s compassion and resolve were clear even then; she openly protested against local exploitative practices affecting women, which led to harsh retaliation. Her husband, succumbing to the pressure of local landlords, abandoned her while she was nine months pregnant. Alone and rejected by her family, Sindhutai faced immense hardship and was forced to give birth to her daughter in a cowshed. This period of struggle was a turning point in her life and would ultimately inspire her journey.

In the years that followed, Sindhutai survived by begging and singing for money on railway platforms, but her selflessness shone through even in these challenging circumstances. She noticed other orphaned and abandoned children struggling to survive, and her innate compassion moved her to care for them. Driven by empathy and a newfound purpose, she began adopting these children, sharing whatever she could beg or earn. With limited resources, she managed to feed, shelter, and raise hundreds of orphaned children, all of whom affectionately called her “Mai” (Mother).

Over time, Sindhutai established several institutions to support her mission, with Sanmati Bal Niketan becoming one of the most significant. These shelters provided more than temporary refuge; they became homes where children could stay until they were self-reliant, often supported until they secured employment or married. This unique approach distinguished Sindhutai’s orphanages from many others, where orphans are often expected to leave after reaching adulthood. Sindhutai believed that her role as a mother extended far beyond providing basic necessities; she instilled values, resilience, and self-confidence in each of her children, empowering them to build meaningful lives. Many of her children went on to become doctors, lawyers, and professionals, creating a legacy that would reflect her unwavering commitment to their welfare.

Sindhutai’s work eventually gained recognition, and she received over 750 awards for her social contributions. Not one to keep such honors for herself, she used the monetary awards to further fund her orphanages and provide better resources for her children. Her dedication and resilience garnered her respect and accolades not only in India but worldwide.

Sindhutai’s unwavering spirit was evident even when her estranged husband returned to her in his later years, seeking forgiveness. She took him in, but not as a spouse—instead, she introduced him as her “oldest child,” exemplifying her deep sense of forgiveness and commitment to her identity as a mother above all else.

Her courage, compassion, and strength touched the lives of over a thousand children, whose lives were transformed by her unwavering love. She counted among her extended family not only her adopted children but also their spouses and families, totaling hundreds of sons- and daughters-in-law and numerous grandchildren.

Sindhutai Sapkal passed away on January 4, 2022, after a lifetime dedicated to selfless service. Her legacy lives on through her children, many of whom continue her mission by establishing their own orphanages and charitable initiatives, thereby spreading her spirit of compassion and resilience.