Abandoned Child Builds Ladli Foundation, Helps 3M Women

Devendra Kumar still remembers the child he once was, abandoned on the streets of Delhi with nothing but survival instincts to guide him. Today, that same man has built a movement that has touched over three million lives across India.

Kumar founded Ladli Foundation in 2012 with a simple but powerful mission: reach the communities that formal development programs often miss. The organization now operates across roughly 50 districts in 10 to 12 states, bringing hope to women and children who need it most.

"Even today, I wonder how that child survived," Kumar shared recently on a podcast with YourStory founder Shradha Sharma. He speaks about his childhood almost as if describing someone else, yet he never lets those memories fade.

That's the secret to his success. "That struggle should remain alive," Kumar explained. "The day I forget it is the day I lose my way."

Ladli Foundation's work spans girl-child protection, healthcare, education, skills training, and gender sensitization. Each program addresses real gaps in India's social safety net, particularly in rural and underserved areas where resources are scarce.

The foundation's approach is deeply grassroots, building trust within communities before implementing change. This strategy has allowed Ladli to create lasting impact rather than temporary fixes.

Why This Inspires

Kumar's story challenges everything we assume about poverty and potential. He transformed personal pain into a blueprint for helping others, proving that the most effective changemakers often come from the communities they serve.

His insistence on remembering his struggles isn't about dwelling on the past. It's about maintaining the empathy and urgency that drives real social change, ensuring he never loses touch with the people he serves.

From abandoned child to leader of a three million person movement, Devendra Kumar shows us that our greatest wounds can become our most powerful gifts to the world.