'Mother of orphans' Sindhutai Sapkal passes away, President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi condole death

Pune: Renowned social worker and mother of 1400 orphan children Sindhutai Sapkal died after suffering a heart attack here on Tuesday night.

She was 74 and breathed her last around 2100 hrs at Galaxy Hospital.

The Padmashri awardee was not keeping well for the last few days. She was popularly known as " Mai".

She was running an orphanage in the name of "Sanmati bal Niketan" located at Hadapsar area in city.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari expressed condolences on the demise of noted social worker.

In his condolence message, he writes: "The demise of Smt Sindhutai Sapkal is deeply saddening. Despite suffering difficulties in her own personal life, Sindhutai dedicated her life to the service of thousands of orphaned and abandoned children. She was an epitome of love and compassion. Her demise has orphaned all of her children. I offer my condolences to her large family and pray for eternal peace to the departed soul."

Sindhutai Sapkal was an epitome of love and compassion. Her demise has orphaned all her children. I offer my condolences to her large family and pray for eternal peace to the departed soul.

— Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) January 4, 2022

State Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also condoled her demise. He said "Mai" was a true social worker who fought her entire life for cause of orphanage children. The death of Mai Sapkal is a great loss to Maharashtra.

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— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) January 4, 2022

Former Pune Deputy Mayor Deepak Mankar also mourned her demise.

Recipient of many national and Maharashtra government awards, Sapkal was the role model of Maharashtra, said Mankar.

Recalling the old memory, he said that Mai recognition towards her social work had came to light when she was bagged Jamunalal Bajaj awards in 2002 from the Haryana government.

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— Deepak Mankar (@deepakmankarncp) January 4, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and many other political leaders also expressed condolences on her demise. (Inputs from UNI)

The life of Dr Sindhutai Sapkal was an inspiring saga 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. Condolences to her family and followers. pic.twitter.com/vGgIHDl1Xe

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 4, 2022

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

My condolences on the demise of Dr. Sindhutai Sapkal. She will be remembered as ‘Maai’ to the many orphans she took care of.

Her extensive work for the rights and rehabilitation of the Adivasi communities will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 5, 2022

I feel v sad to hear the passing away of Padma Shri Dr Sindhutai Sapkal ji. Her undying compassion and commitment towards orphaned children set a benchmark in selfless service to humanity. May God give strength to her children and followers to bear this great loss. Om Shanti

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 5, 2022