Sindhutai Sapkal's Journey from Homelessness to Becoming 'Maai' for Thousands
Sindhutai Sapkal, known affectionately as 'Maai', was a woman who transformed her life from being abandoned and homeless to becoming a mother figure for over 2,100 orphaned and destitute children. Born in 1948 in Maharashtra, India, Sindhutai faced severe hardships, including being thrown out of her marital home while pregnant. Despite these challenges, she began caring for orphaned children she encountered, eventually founding homes that provided shelter, education, and support. Her work earned her the Padma Shri award in 2021, recognizing her significant contributions to social work.