A 47-year-old widow from Ambajogai in Maharashtra’s Beed district has won a marathon after running barefoot in a saree, with the aim of using the prize money to buy books for her daughters.
Ramabai Ranveer lost her husband in an accident in Mumbai and took on the responsibility of raising their two daughters. She initially worked as an agricultural labourer and was determined to ensure that both her daughters received a good education and secured government jobs.
Ramabai enrolled her elder daughter at a competitive examination coaching academy in Ambajogai. To support her daughter’s education, she also took up cooking work at the same academy, where she prepared food for students while taking care of her daughters’ studies.
The local organisation later conducted a marathon called Amrit Daud, with a prize of Rs. 3,000 for the winner. Ramabai decided to participate, hoping to use the prize money to buy books required by her daughters.
On the day of the event, Ramabai arrived wearing a simple saree, unlike the young participants who were dressed in sportswear. As her slippers began slipping during the race, she removed them, held them in her hand and continued running barefoot on the cold, gravel-covered road.
Adjusting her saree with one hand, Ramabai overtook the other participants and crossed the finish line in first place. Spectators applauded her achievement.
In an emotional moment, Ramabai’s daughter Pooja also participated in the race and secured second place. Pooja, who had encouraged her mother to take part, said her mother had never given up on the family despite difficult circumstances and that she had not expected her to finish first.
Pooja is currently preparing for the police recruitment examination, while her sister is preparing for banking examinations. Impressed by Pooja’s dedication, the director of the coaching academy where she studies has reportedly waived her entire coaching fee.
After her victory, Ramabai said she was determined to win the prize money despite the presence of several other women in the competition. She said that while running, she could see only the future of her daughters before her eyes and planned to use the Rs. 3,000 prize money to buy the books they needed.
Ramabai’s determination to work in the kitchen and compete on the running track to support her daughters’ education has inspired many in the region.
