In a time when the rights and well-being of children are of utmost importance, India continues to grapple with persistent challenges. Despite progress in various areas, issues like child marriage, limited access to education, and gender-based discrimination persist, particularly in isolated rural areas. 

It is against this backdrop that the extraordinary efforts of individuals like Anju Verma shine as beacons of hope, illuminating the path toward eradicating the inequalities that still plague our society. Through her organization, Buland Udaan, Anju has dedicated herself to fighting child marriage and other social evils, championing child welfare and education. 

The Birth of the Idea

In the backdrop of Daulatpur village in Haryana, where traditions and societal norms often confine girls within the four walls of their homes, emerged a young trailblazer named Anju Verma. As the daughter of a hardworking truck driver, she defied all odds and shattered stereotypes, proving that one's background should never limit their pursuit of education and dreams. 

However, it was during her time at a government school that she discovered the stark contrast between her own freedom and the restricted lives of her classmates. They shared stories of being bound by domestic chores, cleaning, scrubbing, and taking care of livestock, leaving little room for education and personal growth. 

Witnessing this disparity fueled a fire within Anju, compelling her to take action. Breaking societal norms and defying the taboo of girls venturing outside their homes, Anju embarked on a mission to convince parents to allow their daughters to pursue an education. 

Through sheer determination and unwavering resolve, she successfully enrolled over 500 children from villages across Fatehabad, Hisar, and Sirsa in schools. The transformation was evident as those who once scored a mere 33% now achieved remarkable scores above 70%. 

Guided by her supportive parents, particularly her father, who encouraged her to live life to the fullest, Anju's visionary leadership has not only made villages child-labor-free and prevented child marriages but has also inspired countless others to join her cause. With each small step forward, Anju's determination grows, and her aspirations expand to touch the lives of many more children who deserve a brighter future.

Challenges on the Way

As Anju Verma embarked on her mission to fight child marriage and uplift children's welfare through her organization, Buland Udaan, she encountered numerous challenges that tested her resilience and determination. The deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and societal barriers in her village initially posed significant obstacles. 

Anju's first breakthrough came when her classmates at the government school shared their struggles and limited freedom at home. Convincing parents to allow their children, especially girls, to pursue education required painstaking persuasion and dispelling misconceptions. Anju courageously confronted societal norms, engaging in meaningful conversations with families, challenging their preconceived notions, and highlighting the transformative power of education.

Undeterred by setbacks, Anju enlisted the support of key stakeholders, including the sarpanch of the village, to create a conducive environment for change. By forging alliances and building trust within the community, she gradually gained recognition and credibility for her efforts. Her persuasive arguments and relentless determination eventually yielded results, leading to the enrollment of over 700 children in schools and the prevention of 40 child marriages.

Throughout her journey, Anju faced personal and emotional challenges. These obstacles only served to fuel her resolve, reinforcing her commitment to making a tangible impact in the lives of children. 

Impact Created

Anju has had a profound impact on society, particularly in the fight against child marriage and the promotion of children's welfare. Through her initiative, Anju has brought about a transformative shift in her village and beyond.

One of the significant achievements of Buland Udaan is the enrollment of over 700 children in schools, providing them with access to education and opportunities for a brighter future. By ensuring that children receive a quality education, Anju has empowered them to break free from the cycle of poverty and limited opportunities. The remarkable increase in academic performance, with students scoring above 70% in their exams, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of her approach.

Moreover, Anju's relentless advocacy and interventions have prevented 40 child marriages, protecting young girls from early and forced marriages. By challenging prevailing social norms and engaging in dialogue with parents and community members, she has raised awareness about the detrimental impact of child marriage on the lives of young girls, inspiring a shift in attitudes and behaviors.

Anju's impact extends beyond education and child marriage prevention. She has also intervened in 15 cases of sexual harassment, lending her voice to the voiceless and ensuring justice for victims. 

The ripple effect of Anju's work is evident in the 70-odd villages of Haryana, where Buland Udaan has helped create child-labor-free zones and halted 12 child marriages. Her initiatives have not only transformed individual lives but have also catalyzed broader social change, challenging age-old norms, and stereotypes that hinder progress.

Anju's remarkable achievements and impact have earned her recognition and admiration, including being invited as a TEDx speaker and receiving prestigious awards such as the BusinessLine Young Changemaker Award. Her dedication, courage, and unwavering belief in the rights and well-being of children have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals across India.

Going Forward

Looking ahead, Anju Verma is fueled by an unwavering commitment to continue her remarkable work and make an even greater impact in the lives of children. She envisions a future where every child in her village and beyond has equal access to education, protection from harmful practices, and the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. Anju plans to expand the reach of Buland Udaan, establishing more centers and initiatives that address the specific needs of children in different communities.

Going forward, she aims to collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and influential stakeholders to advocate for policy reforms and ensure the effective implementation of existing laws related to child rights. She plans to engage in advocacy campaigns, raise awareness of children's rights, and empower communities to take ownership of their children's well-being.

Anju's story reminds us of the urgent need for more individuals like her, who are driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to create a better and safer world for all. Each person has the potential to make a difference, and by following in Anju's footsteps, we can collectively work toward a society that nurtures and empowers every child. 

It is through the collective efforts of such change makers that we can create a world where children's rights are upheld, their dreams are nurtured, and their voices are heard.