In a moving demonstration of maternal devotion, a 47-year-old mother from Maharashtra’s Beed district outran younger, better-equipped athletes to win a local marathon, competing barefoot and dressed in a traditional saree, to pay for her daughters’ education.

Life has been a constant struggle for Ramabai Ranveer, a resident of Ambajogai, who became the family's sole provider following her husband's death. Working as a domestic cook across multiple households in Ambajogai, she manages to scrape together a living to keep her two daughters in school. For Ramabai, ensuring her children receive a proper education is her life's single most important mission, a goal she refuses to compromise on, no matter how tough circumstances get.


She entered the 'Amrit Daud' marathon organised as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations by the Kholeshwar Educational Complex under the Bharatiya Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha.

Arriving at the starting point at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in a simple saree and rubber slippers, Ramabai appeared to be just another participant alongside scores of local youths dressed in tracksuits and running shoes.

However, her quiet resolve soon set her apart. As the race got underway, her slippers began to slip, threatening to slow her down. Unwilling to lose ground, Ramabai kicked off her footwear, picked the slippers up in her hands, and pressed forward across the asphalt barefoot.

Navigating the road's rough stones and holding her saree in place, she steadily surged ahead of much younger competitors. By the time she crossed the finish line at Bhagyanagar Chowk in first place, spectators and organisers alike broke into cheers.

Ramabai’s victory earned her a cash prize of ₹3,000, funds she immediately dedicated to covering her daughter's school fees. For Ramabai, the true victory was not the medal, but taking one more step towards her child’s dream.