She ran barefoot for her daughters’ future and won much more than a race

Ramabai Ranveer taking part in the marathon in Maharashtra’s Beed.

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

She had no running shoes. She was dressed in a saree. And as she ran, she carried her sandals in her hand, choosing to go barefoot rather than let anything slow her down. For 47-year-old Ramabai Ranveer of Beed in Maharashtra, however, this was never just a race. She was running for her daughters’ education, and for a better future for her family.A video of Ramabai running barefoot at the local Amrut Daud Marathon on August 29 recently went viral, drawing attention to the extraordinary determination behind her run. She eventually crossed the finish line first, winning ₹3,000, a modest prize, but one that meant much more to her family.Her story has now moved the Hyderabad-based Sudha Reddy Foundation and MEIL Foundation, which have stepped in to support her family. The foundations have announced that they will sponsor the education of both her daughters for life.“Ramabai is a mother whose journey reflects immense resilience, determination and a commitment to building a better future for her family,” said Sudha Reddy, founder of the Sudha Reddy Foundation and director of MEIL.Ramabai is the sole breadwinner of her family and works as a cook to support her two daughters. While one daughter is pursuing a B.Sc. degree, the other is preparing for police recruitment examination. The foundations will also provide ₹75,000 to Ramabai as immediate financial assistance to help meet her family’s current expenses and provide some financial stability.Ramabai’s journey will now take her from Beed to Hyderabad, where she is scheduled to attend and participate in the Pink Power Run 3.0, to be held at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, on September 27. Published - September 07, 2026 07:52 pm IST