Mother Teresa of Maharashtra is no more: Padmashree Sindhutai Sapkal died at the age of 73 in Pune, she had 1500 children, 150 daughters-in-law and more than 300 sons-in-law

Sindhu Tai spent her life in the service of orphaned children, sometimes even begging in trains to feed them.

Padmashree Sindhutai Sapkal, famous as Mother Teresa of Maharashtra, passed away in Pune on Tuesday night. Sindhutai, 73, was suffering from septicemia and was undergoing treatment at Galaxy Hospital in Pune for the last one and a half months. Last year he was awarded the Padma Shri. According to the information, he breathed his last at 8.30 pm. He will be cremated tomorrow with full state honors in Pune. An official statement will also be issued by the hospital soon.

Sindhutai, who takes care of homeless children, is said to have 1,500 children, more than 150 daughters-in-law and more than 300 sons-in-law. Sindhu Tai spent her life in the service of orphaned children, sometimes even begging in trains to feed them.

The Padma Shri was announced on the eve of Republic Day for Sindhutai.

Begged on the streets to feed orphan children

He even begged on the streets to feed the orphans. On receiving the Padma Shri award, Sindhutai said that this award belongs to my colleagues and my children. He appealed to the people to adopt orphan children.

Sindhutai has 6 Bal Ashrams in different cities of Maharashtra including Pune.

thanks for the bread
Sindhutai said, ‘I feel that today my life has reached its final stage. My kids are very happy. But the past cannot be forgotten. Leaving the past behind, I am now working to shape the present of the children. You (media) have always supported me. With your help, I am getting to know this world. Tai continued, ‘My inspiration is my hunger and my bread. I thank this roti because for this people supported me at a time when I did not even have money to eat in my pocket. These awards are for my children who gave me the strength to live.

Sindhutai has more than 150 daughters-in-law and more than 300 sons-in-law.

Begged in the train, ate pita bread from the crematorium
Sindhutai Sapkal was born on November 14, 1948, in a simple Gopalak family of Wardha district of Maharashtra. Being a conservative family, Sindhutai had to drop out of school in the fourth grade. Married at the age of 10 to a man of 20 years. A few years later she became pregnant. The husband kicked her in the stomach in the 9th month and threw her out of the house. After this, she gave birth to a daughter among the cows in a state of unconsciousness and then also cut the cord with her hand. Being homeless, he dropped the daughter at the station. All these things shook him to the core. He even thought of committing suicide. Later, he also begged in the train to fill his stomach. Sometimes he also ate pita bread in the cremation ground.

Sindhutai is also known as Mother Teresa of Maharashtra.

Inspired to give home to homeless children like this
She used to stay at the station after begging in the train. One day Sindhutai found a child at the railway station. It was from here that he got the inspiration to help destitute children. After this, an endless chain started, which today has been transformed into 6 big social service organizations of Maharashtra. More than 1500 destitute children live like a family in these institutions. The use of the word ‘orphan’ is prohibited in Sindhutai’s institution. Children call her Tai (mother). Widow women also get shelter in these ashrams. They work from cooking to taking care of children.

Sindhutai has also joined Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Sindhutai received more than 700 awards
Padma Shri Sindhutai has been conferred with more than 700 honors so far. Whatever amount he got from the honor he got till now, he also spent it in the upbringing of the children. Sindhutai has also been given a doctorate by DY Patil Institute. A Marathi film based on the life of Sindhutai, ‘Mee Sindhutai Sapkal’ was released in the year 2010 and was also screened at the 54th London Film Festival.

A few months back Sindhutai was awarded the Padma Shri.