Jobaaj Stories
Charity begins at home they say, but it is the heart of the individuals that provide him the courage to break all the shackles. Today, with the same thought we at Jobaaj Stories bring to you the story of that free-spirited lady who broke free from domestic abuse to become the "mai" of thousands!
“I am there for all those who have no one” – Sindhutai Sapkal
Sindhutai was born on November 14, 1948, in the village of "Pimpri Meghe" in Maharashtra's Wardha district. Despite her mother's objections, her father, Abhimaan Sathe, was determined to educate her. Sindhutai used to go to school while grazing cattle, using leaves from a Bharadi tree as a slate due to financial constraints. She managed to complete the fourth standard before poverty, family responsibilities, and an early marriage forced her to leave school.
At the age of 12, Sindhutai married Shrihari Sapkal, who was twenty years older than her. By the time she turned 20, she had given birth to three sons. Unfortunately, her husband did not respect her, and when she was pregnant with their fourth child, a landlord spread false rumors of her infidelity in the village. Believing the landlord, her husband subjected her to severe physical abuse, leaving her semi-conscious. Despite her condition, Sindhutai gave birth to her daughter in a cow shed, using a sharp-edged stone to cut the umbilical cord. Seeking help, she went to her parent's house, but her mother humiliated her and turned her away.
How Sindhutai Sapkal Overcame Adversity and Changed the Lives of Orphans
With no other options, Sindhutai resorted to begging on trains and streets to provide for her baby. During this challenging period, she encountered orphan children and felt a deep desire to do something for them. Her own painful experiences fostered empathy for these unfortunate children, and she dedicated her life to helping them. Despite numerous obstacles, she established her first Ashram in Chikaldara, Amravati. Additionally, she founded the Savitribai Phule Girls' Hostel, which was registered in Chikaldara. The happiness she saw on the faces of the children she helped became her source of motivation.
A Mother to Every Orphan
Sindhutai made it her mission to become a mother to every orphan she encountered. Over time, her husband approached her and apologized for his past mistreatment. Sindhutai forgave him and embraced him as her eldest child. Affectionately called 'Mai' (mother), she nurtured over 1050 orphaned children. Her family grew to include 207 sons-in-law and 36 daughters-in-law. She even donated her own daughter, Mamta, to the Shrimant Dagdu Sheth Halwai trust in Pune. Many of the children she adopted have become successful professionals, such as lawyers and lecturers, while others, including her biological daughter, now run their own independent orphanages. One of her children is even pursuing a Ph.D. in her life.
Sindhutai's selfless dedication to her work has earned her over 750 awards. She has utilized the award money to provide homes for her children. With this dedication, she was able to establish Sanmati Bal Niketan in Manjari, Hadapsar, Pune in 1995, which will accommodate over 300 children. Despite her achievements, she continued to fight for the next meal for her children.
The inspiring story of Sindhutai Sapkal has reached a wider audience through the Marathi film "Mee Sindhutai Sapkal," released in 2010. This biopic, based on her true story, was chosen for its world premiere at the 54th London Film Festival.
Written by Harshita Kumar
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