A Warrior’s Struggle: Shantabai Balu Pawar’s Unyielding Fight for Orphaned Children

At the age of 88, when most people seek rest and comfort, Shantabai Balu Pawar stands tall on the streets of Pune, wielding a stick with remarkable skill. A master of traditional martial arts and stick-fighting, Shantabai’s performances are not just a display of strength and agility, but a desperate plea for help. For years, she has been showcasing her talents on the busy roads, begging not for herself, but for the 20 orphaned children she has taken under her wing. Shantabai’s life has been a testament to resilience. Born into a poor family, she was no stranger to hardship. Despite her own struggles, she has devoted her life to caring for these abandoned children, ensuring they have a chance at a better future. Every rupee she earns goes towards their food, clothing, and education. She knows all too well that without her, these children would be forced to beg on the streets, vulnerable to the same harsh realities she has fought against all her life. What makes Shantabai’s story even more poignant is her relentless dedication. She has never taken a day off, not even when her body aches with the strain of her age. She knows that if she rests, these children might go hungry. Her frail hands, clasped together in prayer, are a silent plea to passersby—to see beyond the spectacle of her performance and recognize the lives at stake. Shantabai’s work is a powerful reminder of the deep love and responsibility that drives her, a force so strong that it propels her forward despite the odds. But she cannot do it alone. As she grows older, the challenges become greater, and the need for support more urgent. With folded hands, Shantabai humbly requests your support. Every bit of help can make a world of difference for these children, ensuring they have a future free from the cycle of poverty and despair. Your contribution can give them the chance to live with dignity, to study, to grow, and to dream. By supporting Shantabai, you are not only helping her continue her mission, but you are also joining her in the fight to save the lives of these orphaned children. Together, we can ensure that Shantabai’s lifelong struggle does not go in vain, and that these children can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.