Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Woman Wins Marathon Barefoot to Fund Daughters’ Education
Ramabai is a mother from Ambajogai who is raising two daughters after her husband died.
She works hard to support them and pay for their education.
She heard that a local race would give ₹3,000 to the winner.
Ramabai joined the race even though she did not have running shoes or special training.
She wore a saree and slippers.
When the slippers made running difficult, she took them off and ran barefoot.
She won the race and received the prize money.
Mohandas Pai saw her story and asked the Maharashtra government and other organizations to help her family.
Ramabai, a widow from Ambajogai, entered the local Amrit Daud marathon to support her two daughters’ education.
She competed without professional shoes, sportswear or specialized training, wearing a saree and slippers.
After her slippers slowed her down, Ramabai removed them and continued running barefoot.
She finished first and won the ₹3,000 prize she hoped to use for her daughters’ education.
Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and organizations to recognize and assist her family.
- Who
- Ramabai, a widow from Ambajogai, won the race; Mohandas Pai later appealed for help for her family.
- What
- Ramabai won the Amrit Daud marathon barefoot and received a ₹3,000 prize intended for her daughters’ education.
- When
- The appeal was posted on X on September 1, 2026.
- Where
- The marathon took place in Ambajogai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Ramabai entered the race to earn money to support her family and educate her two daughters.
Calls for Immediate Assistance
Reported Achievement and Recognition
What should happen next
Calls for Immediate Assistance
Anshul Saxena and Mohandas Pai called on the Maharashtra government and organizations to provide meaningful assistance, including support for Ramabai’s daughters’ education.
Reported Achievement and Recognition
The reported achievement itself has drawn public praise, with Ramabai’s determination and sacrifice being highlighted after she won the race.
- Runner
- Ramabai
- Location
- Ambajogai, Maharashtra
- Event
- Amrit Daud marathon
- Prize
- ₹3,000
- Running conditions
- Ramabai competed in a saree and slippers, later running barefoot.
- Family circumstances
- After her husband’s death, Ramabai became responsible for raising and educating her two daughters.
- Advocacy
- Mohandas Pai asked Devendra Fadnavis and organizations including the RIL Foundation to recognize and assist her family.