'Mother Of Orphans' Sindhutai Sapkal Passes Away At 75, PM Modi Express Grief

Sindhutai Sakpal set up numerous institutions for orphan children and looked after them like their own mother. She was conferred upon with the Padma Shri award along with many other accolades.

Sindhutai Sapkal spends some time with her adopted children in the courtyard of her orphanage, Sanmati Bal Niketan in 2017. (File Photo/ Getty Images)

Renowned social worker, Sindhutai Sapkal, who was also known as the 'mother of orphans' passed away late at night on Tuesday. She passed away following a heart attack, doctors said.

Sapkal was 75 at the time of her death. She was undergoing treatment at Galaxy Hospital in Pune. She had undergone a hernia surgery one and a half months ago and recovery was very slow as per doctors. 

Sindhutai Sakpal set up numerous institutions for underprivileged orphan children and looked after them like their own mother. She was conferred upon with the Padma Shri award along with many other accolades.

 

Image: Getty Images

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that many children could lead a better quality of life due to Sindhutai's efforts. He tweeted saying that he was 'pained by her demise'. 

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. pic.twitter.com/nPhMtKOeZ4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2022

Sindhutai Sapkal was born on 14 November 1947 in Wardha, Maharashtra. She was forced to marry a 32-year-old-man at the age of 12. She gave birth to a baby girl when she didn't want to. Though intelligent, she was able to attend school till the 4th standard.

Sindhutai, a victim of social oppression, established an orphanage in Maharashtra. Provided them with food, education, and shelter. She founded Mamata Bal Sadan Sanstha to take care of orphans and give direction to their lives. She admitted her daughter, Mamta, to Sevasadan for education through Dagdusheth Halwai trust and supported other orphans and destitute children.

Food, clothes, and other facilities were provided by the organization. The children are also given guidance on how to become financially independent after completing their education. After becoming financially self-sufficient, the organization also helps these young women to find suitable mates and organize their marriages.

Besides the Padma award, she received more than 750 awards and honors. She used the award money to build shelters for orphans. She will be cremated with full state honors, announced Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra's CM.