05 July 2025: The inspiring journey of an abandoned child from the slums of Delhi to a globally recognized social reformer is a testament to resilience and the power of selfless service. Today, he has transformed the lives of millions of underprivileged children and women. His remarkable success would not have been possible without the nurturing support of RSS Sewa Bharti, which provided him with shelter, education, and values after he was abandoned by his parents at the age of two, along with his three-day-old infant sister, in one of Delhi’s most crime-prone slums.
At the age of eight, he started working as a child laborer, selling balloons and doing other small jobs to support himself and his younger sister. His life changed when RSS Sewa Bharti gave him refuge, shielding him from crime and exploitation. The organization not only provided him with education but also instilled in him the virtues of selfless service, discipline, and patriotism, values that became the foundation of his lifelong mission.
After witnessing and experiencing atrocities at an early age, he struggled to save his sister from child marriage and the dowry system. This experience later motivated him to dedicate his life to providing social protection and upliftment for young girls and children who were being exploited due to poverty and illiteracy.
Yes, this former child laborer is now globally recognized for his large-scale social innovations, which he has successfully implemented at the grassroots level, directly impacting over 30 Lakhs Lives. His efforts have earned him two national awards from the Government of India and recognition from the UN Secretary-General at the Commission on the Status of Women.
He is Devendra Kumar, the founder of Ladli Foundation, an Indian-international grassroots organization addressing some of the most pressing social issues affecting the most vulnerable populations.
Devendra’s relentless efforts have earned him two National Awards from the Government of India, along with admiration from four successive Presidents of India—Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Pranab Mukherjee, Ram Nath Kovind, and the current President, Droupadi Murmu. In 2020, his exceptional service to society led to his nomination for the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, by the Union Ministry of Social Justice. Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan recognized his tireless work in rescuing women and girls from exploitation, bestowing upon him the title of “True Hero.”
His expertise in international relations and public policy has gained global attention, with his recommendations being featured at high-level United Nations forums. During the 65th Commission on the Status of Women in 2021, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended his advocacy for women’s health and efforts to prevent child marriage.
Today, Devendra leads the Ladli Foundation India, Ladli Foundation USA and Ladli Foundation Africa , leveraging global platforms to drive social change. He has successfully organized prestigious diplomatic summits, including the INDIA & BRICS Summit and the Climate Conclave, bringing together world leaders to discuss pressing social challenges.
His journey, shaped by the values instilled by RSS Sewa Bharti, stands as a beacon of hope. From an abandoned child to a celebrated social reformer, Devendra Kumar’s story proves that with the right guidance and unwavering determination, even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed into a force for good. His work continues to inspire, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of a better future.
His organization operates with the same spirit of selfless service that Sangh embodies, reaching out to the most vulnerable sections of society. From being an abandoned child to a globally recognized social reformer, his journey exemplifies how the right support and values can turn adversity into an opportunity to uplift millions.
His story is an inspiration for marginalized children worldwide. His transformation, nurtured by Sewa Bharti, proves that with the right guidance and compassion, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. Today, his initiatives not only impact millions in India but also serve as a model for global social welfare efforts, ensuring that no child is left behind.
