Introduction
Devendra Kumar’s journey from the harsh realities of a Delhi slum to leading a transformative social movement illustrates resilience and dedication. Through his Ladli Foundation, Kumar has impacted over three million women and children across India, creating sustainable programs that address gender equality, education, and health. This article explores his life story, the foundation’s initiatives, and its growing influence on national and international platforms.
Early Life and the Birth of a Movement
Surviving life before he could even walk is an experience few can claim. Abandoned at two years old in Dakshinpuri, one of Delhi’s most crime-ridden slums, Devendra Kumar faced adversity from an early age. By eight, he was selling balloons to support himself and his infant sister amidst the chaos of drug gangs and violence.
Today, Kumar leads the Ladli Foundation, which reports having helped over 3 million women and children throughout India. In a candid interview with Shradha Sharma of YourStory, Kumar shared reflections on his journey and the grassroots movement he has built.
“Even now, I wonder how that child survived. I want to keep that struggle alive. If I ever forget it, that is when I will lose my way.”
From Dakshinpuri to a National Movement
Founded in 2012, the Ladli Foundation operates in approximately 50 districts across 10 to 12 states. It achieved Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2020 and has received a National Award from the Government of India.
The foundation’s scope includes protecting girl children, providing healthcare and education, offering skills training, and promoting gender awareness. These initiatives focus especially on communities often overlooked by mainstream development programs.
Kumar’s personal experiences shaped the foundation’s mission. He openly recounts how slum crime gangs target children, exposing them to drugs and petty crimes. His own turnaround came through volunteering with the Delhi Police as a teenager—a role that offered not only protection but a sense of purpose.
Programs Inspired by Personal Experience
Many of Ladli’s initiatives stem directly from Kumar’s own hardships. The Run for Laadli half marathon, held at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in 2017, was organized in collaboration with the Delhi Police. The event attracted around 25,000 men, aiming to promote women’s safety through active male participation.
Beyond high-profile events, Ladli Foundation undertakes more personal interventions. It has supported community marriages for about 2,100 girls from impoverished families, requiring police verification of grooms and providing health insurance for brides.
As Kumar explains, “In India, when a new bride gets sick in her first year, people say she brought the illness with her. We want to prevent that problem before it starts.”
One of Ladli’s most innovative efforts is the Kanya Pujan initiative launched on August 10, 2019. During Navratri, instead of a one-day token gift, families are encouraged to commit to supporting a girl child for nine consecutive years, offering assistance with school fees, health check-ups, and nutrition. Kumar notes that some families begin to treat these girls as their own daughters.
The Role of Volunteering Over Monetary Aid
A core aspect of Kumar’s philosophy is a challenge to the prevailing culture of providing only financial aid. He emphasizes the value of personal involvement and time over money alone. While not dismissing the importance of donations, he argues that they are insufficient without active participation.
Kumar’s vision includes training at least one volunteer in every Indian household, equipped to conduct surveys, assess community needs, and evaluate outcomes. This approach aims to optimize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending mandated by the Companies Act of 2013.
Practical applications of this model include collaborations with USAID and various state governments on vaccination drives for routine immunization, COVID-19, and tuberculosis elimination. Additionally, Ladli conducts gender sensitization sessions with local police and schools to curb harassment of girls.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact and Influence
As India advances toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality and healthcare, the Ladli Foundation’s grassroots model is attracting broader recognition. Global NGOs and international organizations have taken note of its methods and success.
Currently, Ladli is pursuing General Consultative Status at the United Nations and plans to extend its programs beyond India, targeting countries such as the United States, Europe, and Australia.
If successful, this expansion could redefine volunteering on a global scale, inspired by the journey of a young boy abandoned in a Delhi slum who chose to lead by example.
