The Avaada Naari Shakti Samman recognises Ramabai Ranveer’s extraordinary story of courage, motherhood and determination, while the Avaada Foundation commits to supporting her daughter’s education.

Some stories travel far beyond the moment that creates them. Ramabai Ranveer’s is one such story.

A 47-year-old widow from Ambajogai in Maharashtra’s Beed district, Ramabai captured the nation’s attention when she ran barefoot in a marathon to win prize money that could help fund her daughter’s education. What began as a personal act of determination became an inspiring story of motherhood, resilience and the belief that education can change the trajectory of a family.

Now, her journey has received another recognition.

The Avaada Foundation, the CSR arm of Avaada Group, has honoured Ramabai with the ‘Avaada Naari Shakti Samman’ at a special ceremony held in Maharashtra. Along with a memento, the recognition included a cheque of ₹50,000.

Running for a Daughter’s Future

Ramabai’s story resonated across the country because the motivation behind her marathon was deeply personal: securing the money needed for her daughter’s education.

Her decision to run barefoot became a symbol of the lengths to which a parent can go when education is seen not simply as an expense, but as an investment in a child’s future.

Her elder daughter, Aarti, is currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Nanded.

For Ramabai, the marathon represented more than a sporting challenge. It was an expression of determination in the face of circumstances that could easily have become barriers.

The Avaada Foundation’s recognition places that determination within a broader conversation around women’s empowerment and access to education.

Supporting Education Beyond the Award

The Foundation’s involvement will extend beyond the ₹50,000 recognition.

Avaada Foundation has announced that it will sponsor the educational expenses of Ramabai’s daughter and provide academic support as required. The Foundation has also stated that it will continue to extend educational and guidance support to both daughters according to their future needs.

For a family whose story became synonymous with the pursuit of education, the commitment adds a practical dimension to the recognition.

It transforms an award into continued support.

Celebrating Women Who Refuse to Give Up

Speaking at the event, an Avaada Foundation representative said:

“Ramabaiji’s struggle is not merely a story of a mother’s affection, but a symbol of that unabated woman power that never gives up even in adverse circumstances. Avaada Foundation is built on the core belief that progress demands education, empowerment and effort. We are proud to partner with Ramabaiji’s grit and dream of building a better life for her children through education. Avaada Foundation will continue to provide all possible educational and guidance support to both daughters, as per their needs, in the future as well.”

The recognition reflects the Foundation’s stated focus on education, women’s empowerment and rural development, alongside environmental protection and healthcare.

When Grit Becomes a Larger Story

There is something particularly powerful about Ramabai’s journey because its starting point was so ordinary: a mother trying to find a way to keep her child’s education on track.

Yet the image of a 47-year-old widow running barefoot for that purpose transformed a private struggle into a national story of courage.

Her journey also speaks to a larger reality—that access to education is often shaped by circumstances far beyond a student’s ability or ambition. For families facing financial hardship, keeping children in education can demand extraordinary sacrifices.

By choosing to support Ramabai’s daughter, Avaada Foundation is extending the story from recognition to opportunity.

And perhaps that is the most meaningful legacy of Ramabai’s run: not simply that she crossed a finish line, but that she kept moving towards a future she believed her children deserved.