In the narrow lanes of Kotri village in Ajmer, Rajasthan, lives an 80-year-old woman whose hands have gently ushered over 5000 babies into the world. She is not a doctor. Not even formally educated. Yet, across six villages, Sua Dai Maa is known as the messenger of life — a selfless midwife who has devoted nearly five decades to safe childbirth, never once accepting money for her service.

It all began, as legends often do, with a coincidence. A pregnant woman went into labor and the village midwife was unavailable. A desperate husband knocked on Sua Dai’s door. She went, unsure and untrained, but instinctively helped deliver the baby. That night lit a fire in her — one that’s burned for 50 years. Since then, Sua Dai Maa became the soul of childbirth in the region — not just helping, but taking it upon herself to ensure that no woman gives birth alone or unsafe.

“I didn’t know that it would become the work of my life,” she told CSR Journal, her voice weathered but firm. “That night, I safely delivered the baby… and then people started calling me, and I decided to respond to every call with all my heart.”

A Life of Service, Not for Pay — But for Prayers

Despite the thousands of births she has assisted in, Sua Dai Maa has never charged a single rupee. “I don’t take money. I believe this work has been given to me by God. Some people offer money, but I never accept it. Their blessings, respect, and love are more than enough for me.”

On Diwali and Holi, her home becomes a gathering ground, not for celebration, but for blessings. Mothers and now-grown children whom she helped deliver come to touch her feet, that is her reward.

Healer with No Degree – But Mastery in Pulse Diagnosis

Though uneducated, Sua Dai Maa is known for her innate diagnostic abilities. Villagers claim she can confirm pregnancies simply by checking the pulse — and even tell how far along a woman is. Her methods, rooted in age-old traditional knowledge, are now revered by those who trust her more than any clinic.

“When there are long lines at the hospital, people remember me. I just need to check the pulse — and I understand everything.”

Midnights, Monsoons & Mud Roads — Nothing Stops Her

She recounts stories not with pride, but with simplicity — like the night when heavy rain flooded the village, and someone came knocking for help. Despite the storm, she picked up her bag and rushed to the woman’s house. There was no electricity — so she burned wood to make light, stayed up the entire night, and finally helped the mother deliver a healthy child by dawn.

“I leave everything when a mother needs me. Be it a festival, a wedding, or even if I’m unwell — when the call comes, I go.”

A Voice for the Voiceless – Champion of Girl Child

More than just a midwife, Sua Dai Maa is a fierce advocate for gender equality. She has not only preached but practiced the importance of accepting and celebrating the birth of girls. She shared an incident where she confronted a family disappointed with a girl child, and after long persuasion — and some firm warnings of legal action — convinced them to accept the newborn lovingly.

“I try to explain with love first. If they still don’t understand, I tell them about the law. I believe if I’m able to save even one childhood, I consider it a victory.”

In every village she steps in, Sua Dai leaves behind not just new life, but seeds of change in mindset — from patriarchy to compassion, from apathy to action.

Even at 80 — Ready to Rush

She walks slower now, but her spirit is unbreakable. Even at 80, if a woman goes into labor, Sua Dai Maa doesn’t hesitate to run. No ambulance. No gloves. Just her experience, care, and blessings of the countless families whose lives she’s touched.

In an era where maternal healthcare still struggles in many parts of India, Sua Dai Maa stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and compassion — reminding us that sometimes, it’s not qualifications that save lives, but commitment, heart, and selfless seva.