Sindhutai Sapkal, the 'mother of orphans' and a Padma Shri awardee dies at 74
Dr Sindhutai Sapkal received over 750 awards and used the award money to build shelters for orphans
Sindhutai Sapkal, a well-known social worker, died of a heart attack at a private hospital in Pune on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
Sapkal, also known as the "mother of orphan children," died at the age of 74.
"She had undergone a hernia surgery one and a half months ago and recovery was very slow. She died of a heart attack around 8 pm," said Dr Shailesh Puntambekar, Medical Director of the hospital.
President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute to Sapkal, describing her life as "an amazing narrative 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," he tweeted.
Many children could have a better quality of life as a result of Sapkal's efforts, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"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 marginalised communities. Pained by her demise. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti," he tweeted.
Sapkal, a Padma Shri recipient, was born on November 14, 1948, in Maharashtra's Wardha district. She was allegedly forced to drop out of school after passing fourth grade.
She married a 32-year-old man when she was around 12 years old. Her husband abandoned her after she gave birth to three children, even when she was pregnant.
Her own mother and the community where she grew up reportedly refused to help, forcing her to beg for money to raise her girls at one time. She overcame these obstacles and began helping theorphans.
She had 207 sons-in-law and 36 daughters-in-law after raising more than 1,050 orphan children.
She earned around 750 accolades and honours in addition to the Padma award.
"Mee Sindhutai Sapkal," a Marathi biopic about her, was also released in 2010. It was selected for the 54th London Film Festival's international premiere.
