Delhi-based KARM Trust is changing the destiny of underprivileged girls
The Hindu
Inspired by their family legacy, Radhika and Kartik Bharat Ram are championing the rights of marginalised adolescent girls and empowering them to future leaders through KARM Fellowships
Inside Max House on Delhi’s Rajesh Pilot Lane, a roll call of courage and determination is on. About 20 girls confidently articulate their thoughts on conscription, when asked to debate impromptu.
All under the age of 20 and full of dreams, their views differ but a thread of spunk, friendliness and English-speaking skill ties them together. The other thing they share, are the benefits of city-based KARM Trust that is trying to transform lives of marginalized girls like them.
Barely two summers ago, Shafak Akhtar wasn’t sure where life would take her after class XII, because the 17-year-old’s family could ill-afford her further education. Jyoti Jha was frustrated with her patriarchal family in Bihar. Natasha spent hours convincing her unlettered parents that it was equally important for her — like her brothers — to continue studying.
Daughters of daily wagers, brick kiln workers, drivers, loaders, security guards, dhobis and cooks, the girls did not want to stifle their aspirations, drop off the education landscape or be grabbed by early marriage. They understood better than many in their families and communities that education would ensure a happy, healthy and safe future. But the challenge of finances held them back.
Among these underprivileged adolescents yearning to get past their constraints, some stood out for their stories of resilience and grit. For instance, Mansi lived in a shelter home because her mother is in judicial custody; Kanika worked in the school canteen to earn enough to subsist; Garima fought with her family and worked as house help to finish schooling.
Meanwhile, since 2018 Radhika and her husband Kartik Bharat Ram were working on a programme aimed at changing the lives of poor girls. Inspired by their family — which founded some of Delhi’s iconic institutions including the Shri Ram College of Commerce, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, The Shri Ram Schools — Radhika and Kartik were aware of their privileges and understood the plight of those who lacked resources and opportunities..
“We set up KARM Trust to help empower young bright girls to lead their best lives,” says Radhika, who set up a core team of experts and mentors to train the girls and help them break taboos, bust myths and challenge stereotypes.