Childhood Vulnerability That Shaped Social Reforms
Before Devendra Kumar became a voice for millions of marginalized children, he was one of them.
“Those balloons, bright and fragile, became an early symbol of his childhood. In the hands of other children, they were objects of joy. In Devendra's hands, they were a means of survival.”
His journey reflects the lived realities of millions of marginalized children who struggle to remain connected to education while navigating poverty and social exclusion.
Abandoned
Devendra and his three-day-old infant sister were left behind by their parents in the vulnerable settlements of South Delhi.
Child Labour
Instead of carrying a schoolbag, he was selling balloons on the streets. Those balloons became a symbol of his childhood—in others' hands, objects of joy; in his, a means of survival.
Fighting for Education
He worked as a child labourer while trying to continue education in government schools. Poverty followed him into the classroom. Hunger followed him home.
Distance Learning
The pressure of survival forced him to drop regular schooling. But he refused to surrender his right to learn—continuing education through open and distance learning while working.
Founder, Ladli Foundation
That abandoned child became the founder of Ladli Foundation, a grassroots organization working for marginalized women, children, and students across India.
