Sindhutai Sapkal's story is similar to scores of rural women: Ajay Piramal

The tale was not in the book. In its telling, Ajay Piramal brought to life a riveting story of resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. The chairman of Piramal Group was speaking at a book release function to honour the achievements of women personalities, when he shared with the audience the story of Sindhutai Sakpal. Those who’ve seen a recent Marathi biopic based on her life would be familiar with her story.

For those who haven't, Sindhutai’s story is similar to scores of rural women: impoverished, denied education and married off at a young age. Except, hers took a turn for the worse when her husband, suspecting infidelity, beat her up and assuming her dead, left the pregnant Sindhutai in a cowshed. There, she delivered a daughter, using a rusted lock to cut off the umbilical cord.

Ajay Piramal of @PiramalGroup narrates Sindhu Sapkal's story at the #SheWalksSheLeads launch https://t.co/BIwpjpav4y pic.twitter.com/duqX9lpHy2

— Gunjan Jain (@GunjanOfficial) July 30, 2016

Eventually, Sindhutai chose to help alleviate the pain of others, caring for over a thousand orphans. Many of them are today highly educated professionals. Piramal said there are many women in the book. Some born in privilege, some married into privilege and then others, who created their own privilege. Sindhutai created hers.