Shankarbaba Papalkar Provides Home for 123 Abandoned Children

Shankarbaba Papalkar has spent more than 35 years raising abandoned and orphaned children, many of whom live with disabilities. In 1990, he established an orphanage on 25 acres of barren land in Wazzar, Amravati, beginning with just four girls. That space has since evolved into a home for 123 children, providing them with food, shelter, and a sense of identity. Many arrived shortly after birth, facing visual impairments or physical challenges. Before founding the home, Papalkar worked on a Marathi magazine in Mumbai, where he witnessed the exploitation of girls with disabilities. This experience prompted him to create a sanctuary for those most at risk.

Although the home has reached its capacity of 123 children, Papalkar continues to advocate for others in need. The ashram currently houses 98 girls and 25 boys, all of whom carry Papalkar’s name as their father on their Aadhaar cards to ensure they feel a true sense of belonging. Through his Vazzar Model, every resident holds a specific role, contributing to the community while gaining practical skills. Even those unable to perform conventional work take on responsibilities such as tending to the grounds. This collective effort has turned the once-empty land into a forest of 15,000 trees, all maintained by the residents.

Papalkar remains focused on what happens to the children as they enter adulthood. Because institutional care typically ends at 18, many young adults are left vulnerable, a gap he hopes to close by advocating for lifelong rehabilitation. His efforts have already seen many success stories; 21 of his daughters and three of his sons have married, while 12 have secured government positions. One notable example is Mala, who was found abandoned at a railway station and joined the home at 10. Despite having 95% visual impairment, she learned Braille and eventually passed the MPSC exam to become a revenue assistant. In 2024, Papalkar was awarded the Padma Shri, an honor he dedicated to the children and their potential.