About Us

Inception - Ladli Foundation

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, a young self-made grassroots social worker, emerged from the depths of a crime-ridden slum where his parents abandoned him and his infant sister at the tender age of two. Growing up in poverty, at the age of 8 he commenced his journey as child labourer by selling balloons for his survival. However, his path was fraught with danger as he often fell victim to assaults by gangs of delinquents and drug addicts. These hardships drove him to seek safety, leading him to volunteer in Community Policing Initiatives with the Delhi Police in search of a secure shelter.

In 2010, his struggle to save his sister from child marriage and dowry by surviving amidst vulnerability motivated him to work for the most vulnerable population, for which he established the “Ladli Foundation.” Further, volunteering became a passion for him, and he took early financial retirement at the age of 35 to devote himself as a full-time volunteer to live his passion. This is how the power of volunteering has created a notable social reformer who has impacted the lives of millions, which he never envisioned.

Recent Highlights

With a remarkable impact on over 2.5 million direct beneficiaries, Ladli Foundation has been recognized for its outstanding contributions. Notably, the foundation's recent achievements include enabling digital education access for more than 157,000 marginalized students, yielding a remarkable impact valued at INR 600 Crore (approximately 75 million USD), all achieved independently without any external financial aid or grants. Furthermore, the Organization has implemented innovative solutions that successfully addressed malnutrition among 2.70 lakhs marginalized students in the schools of Delhi, contributing to combating malnutrition among 800,000 marginalized students and paving the way for sustainable positive change.

Currently, the organisation is tackling the most pressing social issues concerning health and education for the vulnerable populations residing in slums, striving for sustainable development in India with its active force of over 1.16 lakh youth interns & volunteers through an innovative Social Internship Program.

The mandate – International chapter

Ladli Foundation USA—the international wing—is to serve as a gateway for soliciting international partnerships in the development field. The mandate of the Ladli Foundation USA, as envisioned at present, is as follows:

• Building a strong community of women: The foundation aims to support and empower women who have survived violence and other atrocities, helping them reform their lives and establish their identities. It provides them with opportunities for growth and development.
• Creating awareness about Indian traditional practices: Ladli Foundation USA endeavours to raise global awareness about the significance of Indian traditional practices for spiritual peace, mental well-being, and sustainable living. It highlights scientifically proven traditional home-based practices for self-care and overall wellness.
• Showcasing successful community-focused interventions: The foundation organizes workshops, sessions, and conferences sponsored by local entities to showcase innovative interventions implemented in India. These interventions serve as examples for potential replication in similar socio-economic environments worldwide.
• Advocacy and dialogue with international organizations: Ladli Foundation USA engages in advocacy efforts with international bilateral and multilateral agencies and United Nations entities. It facilitates dialogue on critical issues. such as patriarchy, inequality, and gender-based violence in developing countries, playing a catalytic role in combating these challenges.
• Promoting women's reproductive and sexual health: The foundation focuses on promoting women's reproductive and sexual health and ensuring their dignified well-being, particularly in developing societies. It specializes in African, Asian, and Islamic continents, seeking to bring about a qualitative change in societal mindsets.
• Partnerships with colleges, universities, and youth leadership development: Ladli Foundation USA seeks partnerships with international colleges and universities, serving as a gateway to India for students and youths interested in social internships and community volunteering for youth leadership development.
• Collaboration with multinational companies for CSR: The foundation liaises with multinational companies, providing technical assistance to strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda. It facilitates low-cost, high-return social interventions in India, aligning with companies and philanthropic goals.
• Engaging small and medium-level organizations and individuals: Ladli Foundation USA encourages collaboration and supports potential small and medium-level organizations, individuals, and philanthropists interested in social development initiatives.
• Encouraging community-based interventions by the Indian diaspora: The foundation motivates foreign Indian nationals and the Indian diaspora to initiate community-based social development interventions in their ancestral villages, fostering positive change in those communities.

Ladli Foundation USA is committed to creating meaningful impact in the world through collaboration, advocacy, and promoting social development initiatives. at both local and international levels.

Work Dimensions & Strategies

Ladli Foundation USA operates through various work dimensions and strategies to achieve its mission of social development and empowerment. The foundation's work strategy includes the following dimensions:

• Local and International Grants: Ladli Foundation USA actively seeks grants from local and international sources to fund its initiatives and projects. These grants provide essential financial support to implement programs that uplift vulnerable communities, empower women, promote education, and address social challenges.
• Corporate Social Impact Initiatives: The foundation collaborates with multinational corporations and companies to develop and implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Ladli Foundation USA works closely with businesses to design impactful social programs aligned with their values and goals. By leveraging corporate resources and expertise, the foundation creates meaningful change in areas such as education, healthcare, women's empowerment, and community development.
• Individual Contributions and Volunteering: Ladli Foundation USA relies on the generous contributions and active involvement of individuals who share its vision for social change. Individuals can make monetary donations or contribute their time and skills as volunteers. The foundation encourages individuals to actively participate in its initiatives, programs, and events, enabling them to make a direct impact on the lives of marginalized communities.
• Indian Diaspora: Ladli Foundation USA actively engages with the Indian diaspora, both within the United States and globally. It encourages individuals of Indian origin to become involved in community-based social development interventions, particularly in their ancestral villages. By tapping into the knowledge, resources, and passion of the Indian diaspora, the foundation seeks to drive positive change in areas such as education, healthcare, and women's empowerment in India.

Through these work dimensions, Ladli Foundation USA harnesses the power of grants, corporate partnerships, individual contributions, and the Indian diaspora to create a sustainable and impactful approach to social development. By leveraging financial resources, expertise, and community involvement, the foundation works towards transforming lives and building a more inclusive and equitable society.