Devendra Kumar

Devendra Kumar is an internationally recognized social reformer, national award winner, public policy analyst, whose innovative initiatives at grassroot level have changed the lives of underprivileged people in slums of India.
Recently he was recognized by the United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres during 65th Session of Commission on the status of Women for raising his voice to prioritize the agenda of Women’s Health and elimination of Child Marriages in developing countries for achieving Gender Equality.
Devendra is the founder & CEO of Ladli Foundation Trust a grassroot level nonprofit organization In Special Consultative Status with Economic and Social Council Since- 2020 and known for implementing highly impactful action research initiatives at sensitive locations by involving local police & district administration with its wide presence in 50 districts of 10 States across India. The organization is also working for GBV Survivors in United States through its International wing “Ladli Foundation USA” A NJ Nonprofit Corporation.
His Innovative initiatives has directly benefited over one million beneficiaries through Preventive / Primary Healthcare, Education, Sensitization, Rehabilitation, Relief projects and also impacted the lives of millions of people indirectly by creating awareness on most sensitive issues like gender-based violence, STD’s, menstrual taboos, child marriages, religious myths trafficking, civic rights etc.
In his early age burdened with miseries while living in slum and taking care of his younger sister he had to combat with dowry-demanding families for his siter’s marriage, motivated him to work for the reformation and upliftment of underprivileged females who could not get access to schooling, due to poverty, burden of dowry culture and patriarchal mind set of the society.

His biggest gender sensitization initiative for involving thousands of male population to uphold the idea of Gender Equality was witnessed and deeply praised by the Home Minister of India and was awarded the official association of Delhi Police. His passion and constant efforts at a very young age for upliftment of underprivileged people were recognized and he was conferred with the National Youth Award by Government of India.
Devendra’s contribution for welfare of lower section of the society was also commended by the Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment and he was officially nominated for the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2020 (4th Highest Civilian Award of India) by the Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India.