Beed mother runs to win prize money for daughters’ education

A 47-year-old mother from Beed district in Maharashtra has captured public attention after winning a local marathon barefoot in a saree, securing prize money to support her daughters’ education. Ramabai Ranveer, who works as a domestic cook, completed the 3-kilometre “Amrut Daud marathon” in Ambajogai on August 29, 2026, finishing first and earning ₹3,000. The event marked the 75th anniversary of the Bharatiya Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha, an educational institution based in the Kholeshwar region. A video of her running barefoot, holding her sandals in one hand and wearing a saree, has since gone viral online. The marathon route stretched from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk to Bhagyanagar Chowk in Ambajogai. Ramabai, a single parent following the death of her husband in a Mumbai accident, is the sole provider for her two daughters. One daughter is currently pursuing a B.Sc. degree, while the other is preparing for the police recruitment examination. Ramabai described her motivation simply: “I wanted to win; that is all I had on my mind. I will bring books and fulfill other needs of my children with the prize money.” Ramabai’s participation in the marathon was inspired by her younger daughter, Pooja Ranveer, who also competed in the event and finished in second place. Pooja encouraged her mother to join the race, saying she believed Ramabai could achieve success. “I told my mother to run alongside me,” Pooja explained. “Even if she came second or third, it would be fine, but she should not get tired during the race.” Pooja added that her mother’s perseverance has always been a guiding force in their lives. Before this, the family relied on agriculture for income. However, after her husband’s death, Ramabai took up a job as a cook at an academy in Ambajogai, where her elder daughter is enrolled. This allowed her to support her daughters’ education while balancing her responsibilities as a caregiver. Pooja, who previously worked in farming, is now focused on preparing for the police recruitment exam, with aspirations of becoming a police officer. Her sister is preparing for banking examinations. During the marathon, Ramabai faced challenges such as slipping footwear, which led her to run barefoot for the remainder of the race. Spectators noted her resilience as she managed her saree while running over uneven terrain. Her performance earned widespread admiration, with many applauding her determination and sacrifice. Ramabai expressed how the race symbolised her commitment to her children’s futures. “I run every day for my children’s future,” she said. “Today, I ran for myself and my children.” Her victory not only brought her prize money but also highlighted the struggles of many single mothers striving to provide quality education for their children despite economic hardships. The event organisers, representing the Bharatiya Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha, aimed to celebrate the institution’s legacy through community engagement activities. Their choice of a marathon as a commemorative event resonated deeply with Ramabai’s story, showcasing the intersection of personal struggle and collective celebration. Ramabai’s achievement has sparked discussions about the importance of education and the role of individual effort in overcoming adversity. Her daughters have also benefited from the support of the academy director, who waived Pooja’s fees due to her dedication to studies. This gesture further underscores the community’s recognition of the value placed on education within the family. As Ramabai prepares to use the prize money to purchase books and other educational materials for her daughters, her story continues to inspire others facing similar challenges. The marathon victory marks a pivotal moment in her journey, reflecting both her personal sacrifices and the broader societal emphasis on education as a means of empowerment.