During a recent 3-kilometer race in Ambajogai, Beed, 47-year-old Ramabai Ranvir made headlines not only for her unexpected performance but also for the deeply personal motivation behind her participation. Running barefoot and dressed in a saree, her goal extended beyond the pursuit of a medal; she aimed to bridge a silence that had lasted over a week with her daughter and to support her younger daughter’s aspiration to succeed in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam.
The event, titled ‘Amrut Daud,’ was organized by the Bharatiya Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha to celebrate its 75th anniversary and National Sports Day. Prof. Deepak Phulari, Principal of Kholeshwar Mahavidyala, expressed his astonishment at Ramabai’s determination. “In the 30+ age category, she registered and remarkably ran in a saree. After some distance, she removed her slippers and continued barefoot, ultimately winning the race in about 30 minutes. Her daughter also secured second place in her age group,” he remarked.
However, the story behind her decision to compete reveals a tale of perseverance and struggle. In an interview with The Indian Express, Ramabai shared her motivation. “My younger daughter, Aarti, who excels academically, had been requesting MPSC study materials for two weeks. I was unable to afford the Rs 3,200 needed for the books, which led to her not speaking to me for eight days. Feeling frustrated, when I learned about the upcoming run, I immediately signed up, hoping to win the Rs 3,000 prize money to buy the books,” she explained.
Her effort paid off as she emerged victorious. Adding to the joy of the day, her elder daughter, Pooja, claimed second place in her category, earning Rs 2,000. Both sums were dedicated to purchasing the necessary study materials for Aarti.
Ramabai’s journey to this achievement was shaped by years of hardship. Following the death of her husband in 2012, she became the sole provider for her two daughters. “Without any land or property, I had to work on others’ farms to earn a daily wage,” she recounted. Through this arduous labor, she managed to finance her daughters’ education year after year.
Today, Pooja, 22, is preparing to join the Maharashtra Police, while Aarti is in her second year of BSc Computer Science at Vishwabharti Mahavidyalaya in Nanded, aspiring to become an officer through the MPSC.
Nevertheless, the family continues to face financial challenges. “I earn Rs 9,000 a month, but Aarti requires around Rs 10,000 for her expenses. I send her my entire salary each month. Balancing my daughters’ education and training has been a significant struggle,” Ramabai stated.
Pooja’s own sacrifices illustrate their resilience. Currently training at Dnyandeep Academy in Ambajogai, she has postponed her own educational goals to alleviate her mother’s burden. “After my father passed away, my mother worked tirelessly to support us. After completing my HSC, I could not afford further education, so I chose to prepare for police recruitment instead. My ambition is to serve in the police, make my mother proud, and improve our financial situation,” Pooja shared.
She attributes her progress to the support of Datta Darade, the owner of Dnyandeep Academy, who generously waived her training fees, provided accommodation, and offered Ramabai a job as a cook at the academy, significantly aiding their family’s circumstances.
Yet, one persistent hurdle remains. Aarti qualifies for a government scholarship intended for students, but the family struggles to obtain it due to the absence of her late father’s death certificate. “I went to our gram panchayat for assistance, but officials informed me that I needed to acquire the death certificate from the court. We simply cannot afford a lawyer, so it remains unresolved,” Pooja explained.
Ramabai’s inspiring run for her daughter’s educational needs quickly gained attention beyond Ambajogai. Author Neil D’Silva praised her efforts on social media, stating, “Salute to Ramabai. Yet another reminder that mothers can do anything for their children. She is the true elite.” Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, also chimed in, urging the Maharashtra government to support her daughter’s education.
Shubham Kurale is a journalist based in Pune, specializing in transportation and civic issues, and has a keen interest in sports, environmental matters, and LGBTQ+ topics. Connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) at @ShubhamKurale1.
