Died:                       4 January 2022, Pune 

Born:                       14 November 1948, Wardha

Spouse(s):               Shrihari Sapkal

Children:                 4 (biological); 1500+ Adopted

Parents:                   Abhiman Sathe

Other names:          Maai (lit. mother)

Awards:                  Padma Shri

Husband Name:     Shree Hari Sapkal  

Caste:                     Not known

Profession:             Indian social reformer

Education:              class 4th

Life Introduction:

Sindhutai Sapkal is an Indian social reformer. She is called the “mother of orphans”. She used to do the work of raising and nurturing orphan children, especially in India. In the year 2016, Sindhutai was awarded a doctorate degree in literature by the DY Patil Institute of Technology and Research for her social service work.

Birth and Education:

Sindhutai was born on 14 November 1948 in a cattle herder family in the Wardha district of Maharashtra. Sindhutai’s father’s name was Abhimanji. His father was keen to educate Sindhutai. That’s why Sindhutai’s father used to send her to school on the pretext of grazing cattle. Due to poverty, family responsibilities and child marriage, Sindhutai had to give up education. She was only till class four.

Early life:

When Sindhutai was just ten years old, she was married off to a man 10 years older than her, Srihari Sapkal. Young Sindhutai was optimistic about life even after being a victim of child marriage. After settling in her husband’s house, she stood up against the exploitation of women by landlords and forest officials.

Sindhutai’s husband scolded her badly in such a critical condition and threw her out of the house. In her journey of the struggle for survival, Sindhutai reached Chikaldara in Maharashtra. Where 24 tribal villages were evacuated as a result of a tiger conservation project. He decided to raise his voice against this dire condition of the helpless tribal people. His persistent efforts were recognized by the Forest Minister, who ordered the creation of relevant alternative rehabilitation systems for the tribal villagers.

After many years of hard work, Sindhutai built his first ashram at Chikaldara. He visited many cities and villages to raise funds for his ashrams. So far, she has adopted 1500 children, who affectionately call her ‘My’. Many of them are now working as doctors and lawyers at respected places.

Sindhutai Sapkal Biography IN HINDI- 

Organization Run by Sindhutai

• Gangadharbaba Chhatralay, Guha
• Abhiman Bal Bhavan, Wardha
• Mai Ka Ashram Chikhaldara, Amravati
• PuneMamata Bal Sadan, Kumbharvalan, Saswad
• Sanmati Bal Niketan, Bhelhekar Vasti, Hadapsar,
• Sindhu’ Mahila Aadhar, Balsangopan Educational Institute, Pune

Awards

• Sindhutai Sapkal has been honoured with more than 700 awards for her social work.
• The year 2017 – Sindhutai Sapkal was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President of India on 8 March 2018 on Women’s Day. Which is the highest civilian award dedicated to women.
• 2016 – Wockhardt Foundation Social Worker of the Year Award
• 2013 – Mother Teresa Awards for Social Justice
• 2013 – National Award for Distinguished Mother
• 2012 – COEP Gaurav Award given by College of Engineering, Pune
• 2010 – Ahilyabai Holkar Award (by the Government of Maharashtra to social workers in the field of women and child welfare)
• 2008 – Women of the Year Award given by daily Marathi newspaper Loksatta
• 1992 – Leading Social Contributor Award
• Sahyadri Hirakani Award (Marathi: Sahyadri Hirakani Award)
• Rajai Award (Marathi: Rajai Award)
• Shivleela Gaurav Puraskar (Marathi: Shivleela Mahila Gaurav Puraskar)

Anant Mahadevan’s 2010 Marathi film “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal” is a biopic inspired by the true story of Sindhutai Sapkal. The film was selected for the world premiere at the 54th London Film Festival. 

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