A resplendent gem from the City of Nawabs, 28-year-old Poulomi Pavini Shukla is an author, a Supreme Court lawyer and a social worker who has found a place on ‘Forbes India 30 Under 30’ list for her contribution towards the education of orphan children in India. Poulomi has been directing her efforts towards highlighting the plight of orphans and making provisions to get them educated for a better, dignified life.
“I would also like to request more and more people to join this movement…”, Poulomi
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Shukla was quoted saying, “I am happy and feel honoured to be listed in Forbes ‘India 30 under 30, 2021 list. But more than that I want to highlight the plight of orphan children more by my recognition as they don’t have a voice, I would also like to request more and more people to join this movement and strengthen the voice of orphan children.”
Talking about the inception of the journey, Poulomi mentioned that her story started when she was just nine years old. Her mother was the District Magistrate in Haridwar and that year, a strong earthquake had rocked Gujarat’s Bhuj and a substantial number of children were orphaned in the calamity. Some of those children had visited Haridwar through an NGO and Poulomi had tagged along with her mother to pay them a visit and soon enough, she had made friends with them.
“Governments should ensure proper schemes, scholarships, and their recognition under Right to Education”
While seamlessly establishing the fact that she is committed to the cause, Poulomi further added, “There are around 2 crore orphan children in our country. And less than 1 lakh are living in orphanages. Looking at the condition I felt the urge to do something substantial to improve the situation. Thereafter, I filed a petition in the Supreme Court. I also met many lawmakers, chief ministers, ministers, and political leaders.”
Poulomi also stated that the “fight doesn’t end here” and there is much more to be done. “I want these children to be brought under the census. Governments should ensure proper schemes, scholarships, and their recognition under Right to Education so that they can live a better life,” she remarked.
Knock Knock
Poulomi’s existence is an inspiration to many today and she has further brought honour to Lucknow, like no other! Along with her brother, she has even written a book called ‘Weakest on Earth- Orphans of India’, which was featured during a discussion on the subject, by a member of the parliament. Poulomi Pavini Shukla has made the city proud with her passion towards a pressing cause and she deserves nothing less than our heartfelt appreciation.
