known for its Social Innovations & Implementing Action Research CSR Program for upliftment of Vulnerable & Marginalized Population. ๐โโ๏ธ Who We Are:
Ladli Foundation is a leading grassroots-level non-profit organization known for implementing impactful & innovative social initiatives to provide equitable healthcare, education & life skills to uplift vulnerable women. With a resolute commitment to fostering change, we specialize in the effective implementation of routine immunization, the prevention of communicable diseases, and the advancement of digital education & essential life skills in marginalized communities. The organization has been granted a special consultative status by the United Nations ECOSOC and has been honoured with the National Award by the Government of India. This recognition is a result of its impactful social innovations, which are rooted in an action-research model aimed at promoting sustainable living in alignment with the UN SDGs. At the national level in India, the organization collaborates closely with a team of highly skilled grassroots-level social workers, working in tandem with government authorities. Through an effective community outreach and sustainable approach, it is making tangible changes. Moreover, the organization is actively engaged in strategic partnerships, including with USAID, Union & State Governments in India to enhance the coverage of Routine Immunization, Covid-19 vaccination, and Eradication of Tuberculosis in India.
๐ National and International Reach:
At the heart of our work lies our national presence, where our team of highly skilled grassroots-level social workers collaborates seamlessly with district administrations and police departments. Our community outreach and sustainable approach stand as beacons of positive change, creating ripples of transformation in every corner. Our partnership with USAID exemplifies our dedication to enhancing routine immunization, combating COVID-19 through vaccination, and eradicating tuberculosis on Indian soil. Beyond the Indian shores, our international wing - "Ladli Foundation USA" - a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation, stands shoulder to shoulder with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our commitment echoes in our initiatives, and our impact resounds across borders. Highlights
Recently the Ladli Foundation received recognition for its efforts in providing digital education access to more than 157,000 marginalized students, resulting in a significant impact valued at INR 600 Crore (approximately 75 million USD) without seeking any financial aid/grants. Additionally, have signed an agreement with the Delhi Government to implement its social innovation, aimed at delivering a sustainable solution to eradicate malnutrition among 8,00,000 marginalized students in Delhi.โ During the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the organization received recognition from the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antรณnio Guterres, for its advocacy in prioritizing Women's Health and the elimination of Child Marriages in developing countries as part of the efforts to achieve Gender Equality (SDG5). Inception: Ladli Foundation, India
Driven by concerns of health, education & equality for vulnerable women as an integral and critical dimension of human rights, Ladli Foundation became a reality in 2012 as a grassroots social catalyst. It was founded by Devendra Kumar, whose incredible journey began as a child laborer in a poverty-stricken environment. Where he faced numerous hardships and atrocities during his orphaned and challenging childhood. Born in a crime-prone slum, he endured abandonment by his parents, who left him with his three-day-old infant sister when he was just two years old. Despite these adversities, Devendra's indomitable spirit and resilience led him to find solace and purpose in serving others. Driven by his determination to protect his sister from child marriage and dowry, Devendra founded the "Ladli Foundation" with the noble mission of uplifting the oppressed and disadvantaged. His personal experiences as a child laborer and his encounters with delinquents and drug addicts further fueled his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges. Over the past decade, the organization has successfully implemented various significant events and initiatives. These include a major Gender Sensitization movement achieved through a Half-Marathon and Street Plays, the International Kanya-Pujan event aimed at promoting girls' education and healthcare while respecting traditional beliefs, the Saheli Primary healthcare and Sensitization camps held in slums, the Pathanshaala mobile education classes targeting street and slum children, the Shagun Mass weddings initiative to combat child marriages and trafficking, the groundbreaking JOSH initiative diverting young boys from drug abuse and crimes through sports and skill training, and the provision of dry ration, milk, and personal hygiene kits to migrants and laborers during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. These programs and mega-events organized by the organization have garnered praise and were witnessed by esteemed individuals including the Union Home Minister, Union Minister of Social Justice, Women & Child Development, Youth Affairs, Department Secretaries of the Government of India, international diplomats, Bollywood celebrities, and other dignitaries. The Founder
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-day-old 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 โLadli Foundation.โ
His 23 years continuous actions and innovative initiatives for empowering the oppressed and disadvantaged has received recognition in India and the United Nations. During the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, he was recognized by UN Secretary-General Antรณnio 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 โTrue Heroโ 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 โTrue Heroโ 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, Chotu (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, possesses 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 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.
