Dayawati Modi Ji was born in Kasganj – a small town in Uttar Pradesh. She self educated herself, acquiring knowledge of the Vedas and the Gita was the book to which she turned to for guidance. On June 19, 1932, Dayawati Modi Ji married Gujarmal Modi Ji at the age of seventeen. Gujarmal Modi Ji gave Dayawati Modi Ji two options in 1935 – Either she could buy jewellery with their funds or she could use them to develop Modinagar. She chose the later and set out with vigour and determination to establish schools and colleges. She contributed towards the development of society in Modinagar and was focused in her dedication towards uplifting the underprivileged and providing educational opportunities to women and children. People referred to her as’ Maaji’ as a sign of respect and gratitude for her altruistic nature.