Devendra Kumar
Founder - Ladli Foundation
"Devendra Kumar, a true embodiment of resilience, courage, and compassion, is a shining example of how one individual's unwavering commitment to social reform can make a monumental impact in the lives of countless marginalized women & children. Born in a crime-prone slum, his parents abandoned him with his three-day-old infant sister at age two. His tumultuous early years only fueled his determination to create sustainable social innovations that could transform his community.
Recently, with his visionary leadership and effective community outreach, He has achieved what many would deem impossible - enabling access to digital education for over 1.57 lacs marginalized students and delivering a staggering impact worth 75 million USD. His unwavering dedication to the cause of empowering underprivileged children has earned him the respect and admiration of both private organizations, such as BYJU's E-Learning (World’s largest digital education provider), and state government departments alike, making him an emerging leader of our times.
Devendra Kumar's relentless pursuit of social transformation reaches beyond education; it saves lives and combats the dire consequences of malnutrition among marginalized students. Through his innovative intervention and action research program in Delhi, he has become a lifeline for over 400,000 marginalized students, providing a sustainable solution to address malnutrition. By actively involving young students and fellows, Devendra empowered them to effect change, creating a ripple effect of sustainable impact. The government of Delhi recognizes the immense value of his intervention, demonstrated by their collaboration through a signed MOU to transform dietary habits and raise awareness about malnutrition, especially amongst the underprivileged children in slums.
"Devendra’s journey from a poverty-stricken childhood marred by hardships and atrocities to a beacon of hope and empowerment is nothing short of extraordinary. His indomitable spirit, forged through personal struggles as a child laborer and surviving brutal encounters with delinquents and drug addicts, propelled him to seek solace and purpose in serving others. His unwavering commitment to vulnerable populations led him to join volunteering with Red Cross for providing aid to those in need. Motivated by his determination to protect his sister from child marriage and dowry, he established the "Ladli Foundation," dedicated to uplifting the oppressed and disadvantaged.
Over the course of 23 years, Devendra has exhibited unwavering dedication through his relentless actions and innovative initiatives, resulting in a direct impact on the lives of over 1.5 million individuals. His remarkable achievements have garnered recognition not only within India but also on a global scale, drawing the attention of the United Nations. At the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged Devendra's influential advocacy for women's health and his tireless efforts to eliminate child marriages. These commendations solidify Devendra's position as a catalyst for transformative change.
In 2013, Devendra's exceptional commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities was honored with the prestigious National Youth Award by the Government of India. This esteemed accolade serves as a testament to his grassroots-level initiatives, which have liberated thousands of women and girls from the shackles of sexual abuse and exploitation. Furthermore, his relentless dedication to empowering these individuals has earned him the revered title of "True Hero," bestowed upon him by the legendary superstar of Indian Cinema, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.
Devendra's impact was not limited to gender sensitization and social justice alone. His significant contributions to the welfare of the marginalized sections of society were witnessed and commended by the Hon’ble President of India, Union Home Minister, and Union Social Justice Minister in 2017, while the Union Ministry of Social Justice nominated him for the 4th highest civilian award of India (Padma Shri Award ) in 2020, for recognizing his extraordinary work.
Devendra, a beacon of resilience and determination, has become a global leader driven by a firm commitment to gender equality. From his humble beginnings as a child laborer to receiving national awards, his life story exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance. His impact reaches far beyond inspiring communities; he has made an indelible mark on the world stage. His creative approach to address gender-based violence and empower marginalized individuals has garnered admiration and recognition. He goes beyond empowering women, actively engaging men to be advocates for change and challenge societal norms.
His mission to build a safe, gender-neutral, and inclusive society aims to enable access to Primary Healthcare, Education, and equal opportunities for vulnerable women in marginalized sections by focusing on bringing a reformative change in the mindsets of the society. He already initiated a dialogue among people about inhuman traditionally inherited practices like patriarchy, gender-based violence, child marriages, and social victimization, which are the main hurdles in providing basic human rights, and prominent causes of vulnerable conditions of women in India.
Devendra Kumar, an emerging global leader, and notable public policy analyst, possesses extensive experience in international relations and development. In 2016, he founded the "South and East Asia Foundation," an international think tank organization aimed at contributing to India's transformation through new engagements in the international forum, economic order, and diplomatic challenges. As the president of this organization, Devendra successfully organized high-profile conferences such as INDIA & BRICS, INDO-US SUMMIT, INDO-CHINA SUMMIT, CLIMATE CONCLAVE, and NATIONAL DEMOCRACY SUMMIT. These conferences brought together global leaders, diplomats, thinkers, and government officials to critically examine the country's challenges and develop coherent policy responses. Through these initiatives, Devendra has created a platform for leading Indian economists and policymakers to present India's reform agenda on international issues, solidifying his role as a visionary leader in shaping India's global standing.
Devendra Kumar is currently dedicatedly working towards policy reforms and spearheading social innovations to establish a gender-sensitive society. His efforts involve creating a network of changemakers who passionately support his cause. Devendra's vision and commitment are focused on building a society that values and respects gender equality. Through his transformative initiatives, he is inspiring individuals to become agents of change and contribute to the collective goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.
Recently, with his visionary leadership and effective community outreach, He has achieved what many would deem impossible - enabling access to digital education for over 1.57 lacs marginalized students and delivering a staggering impact worth 75 million USD. His unwavering dedication to the cause of empowering underprivileged children has earned him the respect and admiration of both private organizations, such as BYJU's E-Learning (World’s largest digital education provider), and state government departments alike, making him an emerging leader of our times.
Devendra Kumar's relentless pursuit of social transformation reaches beyond education; it saves lives and combats the dire consequences of malnutrition among marginalized students. Through his innovative intervention and action research program in Delhi, he has become a lifeline for over 400,000 marginalized students, providing a sustainable solution to address malnutrition. By actively involving young students and fellows, Devendra empowered them to effect change, creating a ripple effect of sustainable impact. The government of Delhi recognizes the immense value of his intervention, demonstrated by their collaboration through a signed MOU to transform dietary habits and raise awareness about malnutrition, especially amongst the underprivileged children in slums.
"Devendra’s journey from a poverty-stricken childhood marred by hardships and atrocities to a beacon of hope and empowerment is nothing short of extraordinary. His indomitable spirit, forged through personal struggles as a child laborer and surviving brutal encounters with delinquents and drug addicts, propelled him to seek solace and purpose in serving others. His unwavering commitment to vulnerable populations led him to join volunteering with Red Cross for providing aid to those in need. Motivated by his determination to protect his sister from child marriage and dowry, he established the "Ladli Foundation," dedicated to uplifting the oppressed and disadvantaged.
Over the course of 23 years, Devendra has exhibited unwavering dedication through his relentless actions and innovative initiatives, resulting in a direct impact on the lives of over 1.5 million individuals. His remarkable achievements have garnered recognition not only within India but also on a global scale, drawing the attention of the United Nations. At the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged Devendra's influential advocacy for women's health and his tireless efforts to eliminate child marriages. These commendations solidify Devendra's position as a catalyst for transformative change.
In 2013, Devendra's exceptional commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities was honored with the prestigious National Youth Award by the Government of India. This esteemed accolade serves as a testament to his grassroots-level initiatives, which have liberated thousands of women and girls from the shackles of sexual abuse and exploitation. Furthermore, his relentless dedication to empowering these individuals has earned him the revered title of "True Hero," bestowed upon him by the legendary superstar of Indian Cinema, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.
Devendra's impact was not limited to gender sensitization and social justice alone. His significant contributions to the welfare of the marginalized sections of society were witnessed and commended by the Hon’ble President of India, Union Home Minister, and Union Social Justice Minister in 2017, while the Union Ministry of Social Justice nominated him for the 4th highest civilian award of India (Padma Shri Award ) in 2020, for recognizing his extraordinary work.
Devendra, a beacon of resilience and determination, has become a global leader driven by a firm commitment to gender equality. From his humble beginnings as a child laborer to receiving national awards, his life story exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance. His impact reaches far beyond inspiring communities; he has made an indelible mark on the world stage. His creative approach to address gender-based violence and empower marginalized individuals has garnered admiration and recognition. He goes beyond empowering women, actively engaging men to be advocates for change and challenge societal norms.
His mission to build a safe, gender-neutral, and inclusive society aims to enable access to Primary Healthcare, Education, and equal opportunities for vulnerable women in marginalized sections by focusing on bringing a reformative change in the mindsets of the society. He already initiated a dialogue among people about inhuman traditionally inherited practices like patriarchy, gender-based violence, child marriages, and social victimization, which are the main hurdles in providing basic human rights, and prominent causes of vulnerable conditions of women in India.
Devendra Kumar, an emerging global leader, and notable public policy analyst, possesses extensive experience in international relations and development. In 2016, he founded the "South and East Asia Foundation," an international think tank organization aimed at contributing to India's transformation through new engagements in the international forum, economic order, and diplomatic challenges. As the president of this organization, Devendra successfully organized high-profile conferences such as INDIA & BRICS, INDO-US SUMMIT, INDO-CHINA SUMMIT, CLIMATE CONCLAVE, and NATIONAL DEMOCRACY SUMMIT. These conferences brought together global leaders, diplomats, thinkers, and government officials to critically examine the country's challenges and develop coherent policy responses. Through these initiatives, Devendra has created a platform for leading Indian economists and policymakers to present India's reform agenda on international issues, solidifying his role as a visionary leader in shaping India's global standing.
Devendra Kumar is currently dedicatedly working towards policy reforms and spearheading social innovations to establish a gender-sensitive society. His efforts involve creating a network of changemakers who passionately support his cause. Devendra's vision and commitment are focused on building a society that values and respects gender equality. Through his transformative initiatives, he is inspiring individuals to become agents of change and contribute to the collective goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.
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Devendra Kumar, a young self-made social reformer, was born in a high crime-prone slum where his parents abandoned him at the age of two with his 3 days infant sister (Ladli). Grown amidst poverty, at the age of eight, he started working as a child laborer with a 'never say die' approach. During his balloon-selling, he was snatched & brutally beaten by a group of delinquents & drug addicts. Many mishaps & miseries at a very young age coerced him to find a safe space for him which encouraged him to join a volunteering group with Indian Red Cross & St. John Ambulance, In 2010 his struggle to save his sister from child marriage and dowry by surviving amidst vulnerability motivated him to work for most vulnerable population for which he established the “Ladli Foundation.”
His 23 years continuous actions and innovative initiatives for empowering the oppressed and disadvantaged has received recognition in India and the United Nations. |
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During the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, he was recognized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for raising his voice to highlight the agenda of women's health and the elimination of child marriages in developing countries. His grassroots-level initiatives assisted in the liberation of thousands of women and young girls from sexual abuse and exploitation and subsequently empowered them to become self-reliant, for which he was titled as “True Hero” by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
His grassroots-level initiatives assisted in the liberation of thousands of women and young girls from sexual abuse and exploitation and subsequently empowered them to become self-reliant, for which he was titled as “True Hero” by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
A firm believer of gender equality, his creative approach to raising awareness about gender-based violence in various communities and assisting the needy and troubled through relief projects have been very inspiring, as well as his life story, Chhotu (Child Labor to National Award Winner).
His vision to build a strong women community of GBV survivors and create opportunities for them to look ahead and move far extends the national boundaries to the highly technologically enriched societies. It envisions breaking the taboos and adopting a safe, secure & sustainable living that upholds women's reproductive rights in our society by sensitizing the male population to become promoters of Gender Equality.
In 2017, His most significant gender sensitization initiative for involving thousands of male populations to uphold the idea of Gender Equality was witnessed and deeply praised by the Home Minister of India. His passion and constant efforts at a very young age for the upliftment of underprivileged people were recognized, and he was conferred with the National Youth Award by the Government of India.
In 2020, His contribution to the welfare of the lower section of society was commended by the Union Minister of Social Justice and the Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India nominated him for the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2020 (4th Highest Civilian Award of India).
Devendra is an emerging global leader and notable public policy analyst with extensive experience in international relations and development. In 2016, he also founded the 'South and East Asia Foundation' an international think tank organization aimed at contributing to India's transformation through new engagements in the international forum, economic order, and diplomatic challenges. As the president of this organization, Devendra successfully organized high-profile conferences such as INDIA & BRICS, INDO-US SUMMIT, INDO-CHINA SUMMIT, CLIMATE CONCLAVE, and NATIONAL DEMOCRACY SUMMIT.
These conferences brought together global leaders, diplomats, thinkers, and government officials to critically examine the country's challenges and develop coherent policy responses. Through these initiatives, Devendra has created a platform for leading Indian economists and policymakers to present India's reform agenda on international issues, solidifying his role as a visionary leader in shaping India's global standing.
He is currently dedicatedly working toward policy reforms and spearheading social innovations to establish a gender-sensitive society. His efforts involve creating a network of changemakers who passionately support his cause. Devendra's vision and commitment are focused on building a society that values and respects gender equality. Through his transformative initiatives, he inspires individuals to become agents of change and contribute to the collective goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.
His grassroots-level initiatives assisted in the liberation of thousands of women and young girls from sexual abuse and exploitation and subsequently empowered them to become self-reliant, for which he was titled as “True Hero” by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
A firm believer of gender equality, his creative approach to raising awareness about gender-based violence in various communities and assisting the needy and troubled through relief projects have been very inspiring, as well as his life story, Chhotu (Child Labor to National Award Winner).
His vision to build a strong women community of GBV survivors and create opportunities for them to look ahead and move far extends the national boundaries to the highly technologically enriched societies. It envisions breaking the taboos and adopting a safe, secure & sustainable living that upholds women's reproductive rights in our society by sensitizing the male population to become promoters of Gender Equality.
In 2017, His most significant gender sensitization initiative for involving thousands of male populations to uphold the idea of Gender Equality was witnessed and deeply praised by the Home Minister of India. His passion and constant efforts at a very young age for the upliftment of underprivileged people were recognized, and he was conferred with the National Youth Award by the Government of India.
In 2020, His contribution to the welfare of the lower section of society was commended by the Union Minister of Social Justice and the Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India nominated him for the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2020 (4th Highest Civilian Award of India).
Devendra is an emerging global leader and notable public policy analyst with extensive experience in international relations and development. In 2016, he also founded the 'South and East Asia Foundation' an international think tank organization aimed at contributing to India's transformation through new engagements in the international forum, economic order, and diplomatic challenges. As the president of this organization, Devendra successfully organized high-profile conferences such as INDIA & BRICS, INDO-US SUMMIT, INDO-CHINA SUMMIT, CLIMATE CONCLAVE, and NATIONAL DEMOCRACY SUMMIT.
These conferences brought together global leaders, diplomats, thinkers, and government officials to critically examine the country's challenges and develop coherent policy responses. Through these initiatives, Devendra has created a platform for leading Indian economists and policymakers to present India's reform agenda on international issues, solidifying his role as a visionary leader in shaping India's global standing.
He is currently dedicatedly working toward policy reforms and spearheading social innovations to establish a gender-sensitive society. His efforts involve creating a network of changemakers who passionately support his cause. Devendra's vision and commitment are focused on building a society that values and respects gender equality. Through his transformative initiatives, he inspires individuals to become agents of change and contribute to the collective goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.
His grassroots level initiatives assisted in the liberation of thousands of women and young girls from sexual abuse and exploitation and subsequently empowered them to become self-reliant, for which he was titled as “True Hero” by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
A firm believer of gender equality, his creative approach to raising awareness about gender-based violence in various communities and assisting the needy and troubled through relief projects have been very inspiring, as well as his life story, Chhotu (Child Labor to National Award Winner).
His vision to build a strong women community of GBV survivors and create opportunities for them to look ahead and move far extends the national boundaries to the highly technologically enriched societies. It envisions breaking the taboos and adopting a safe, secure & sustainable living that upholds women's reproductive rights in our society by sensitizing the male population to become promoters of Gender Equality.
A firm believer of gender equality, his creative approach to raising awareness about gender-based violence in various communities and assisting the needy and troubled through relief projects have been very inspiring, as well as his life story, Chhotu (Child Labor to National Award Winner).
His vision to build a strong women community of GBV survivors and create opportunities for them to look ahead and move far extends the national boundaries to the highly technologically enriched societies. It envisions breaking the taboos and adopting a safe, secure & sustainable living that upholds women's reproductive rights in our society by sensitizing the male population to become promoters of Gender Equality.
In 2017, His most significant gender sensitization initiative for involving thousands of male populations to uphold the idea of Gender Equality was witnessed and deeply praised by the Home Minister of India. His passion and constant efforts at a very young age for the upliftment of underprivileged people were recognized, and he was conferred with the National Youth Award by the Government of India.
In 2017, His contribution to the welfare of the lower section of society was commended by the Union Minister of Social Justice and the Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India nominated him for the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2020 (4th Highest Civilian Award of India)
Now Devendra is intensively working for policy reforms and developing social innovations to build a gender-sensitive society by making a chain of changemakers to support his cause.
In 2017, His contribution to the welfare of the lower section of society was commended by the Union Minister of Social Justice and the Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India nominated him for the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2020 (4th Highest Civilian Award of India)
Now Devendra is intensively working for policy reforms and developing social innovations to build a gender-sensitive society by making a chain of changemakers to support his cause.
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