Sindhutai Sapkal, an eminent social worker and Padma Shri awardee who died on Tuesday at the age of 73 and was known for her hard work among orphaned children was laid to rest with full state honors Pune’s Thosar Paga crematorium on Wednesday.
In the presence of dignitaries, senior officials from the Pune district administration, and hundreds of individuals from all walks of life, she was buried following Mahanubhava Panth sect tradition.
At the Sanmati Bal Niketan Sanstha in Manjari, the orphanage where Sapkal’s body was kept for people to see their darling Maai, heartbreaking sights were witnessed as she was popularly known.
She adopted and cared for more than 1,000 orphaned youngsters in this orphanage.
Mee Sindhutai Sapkal
The harrowing but inspiring life of the doughty social worker — from being married off as a child to being disowned by her family and husband and having to beg to survive to keep her child alive — was the subject of actor-filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan’s National Award-winning biopic, Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (‘I am Sindhutai Sapkal’).
Sapkal, who hailed from a backwaters village in the Wardha district, overcame adversity in her early life in a way that few people do, including preparing rotis outside a crematorium to feed her baby. She channeled her grief and agony into dedicating the remainder of her life to adoring orphaned youngsters. She also advocated for indigenous rights.
Tribute to her legacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar, and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray were among those who paid tribute to Sapkal after her death.
“Dr. Sindhutai Sapkal will be remembered for her honorable service to society,” stated Mr. Modi. Many youngsters could have a better quality of life due to her efforts. She also worked extensively with marginalized groups. Her death makes me sad. Condolences to her loved ones.”
Shri Awardee Sindhutai Sapkal, “Mother Of Orphans,” Dies At Age 73
