Activism
Papalkar used to publish a Marathi magazine ‘Devkinandan Gopal’ from Mumbai in the early 70s. [7] In 1990, he founded the Late Ambadaspant Vaidya Matimand Mukbadir Shishu Sanjivani Sanstha, an orphanage for disabled and orphaned children, on 25 acres of land in Wazzar, approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Amravati. [7] [2] The organization began by providing shelter to four disabled girls. [4] Over the years, the ashram has grown to care for numerous children with physical and mental disabilities. As of 2024, the ashram was home to 123 children (98 girls and 25 boys). [7]
Papalkar is known for providing the children in his care with a legal identity by giving them his own name. The Aadhaar cards of the children list their father's name as "Dr. Shankarbaba Pundlikrao Papalkar". He has also focused on their social integration by arranging marriages in the community. His work, which he has termed the "Vazzar Model," emphasizes self-help and mutual support among the children to foster a life of dignity. [4]
Papalkar has also been a vocal advocate for a law concerning the rehabilitation of orphaned and mentally challenged individuals after they turn 18. [8] He has also led environmental efforts at the ashram, planting around 15,000 trees on the land, which are cared for by the resident children. [4]
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