Kriti Bharti, a 36-year-old from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has dedicated her life to combating the scourge of child marriage in India. Despite facing numerous challenges, including being poisoned as a child, Kriti has emerged as a fearless warrior against child marriage, having annulled more than 29 child marriages and stopped over 850 more. Her organization, Saarthi Trust, has rehabilitated more than 6,000 children and 5,500 women, providing them with education, vocational training, and employment opportunities to ensure their independence and empowerment.
Early Life and Challenges
Kriti’s early life was marked by adversity. Her father abandoned her mother when she was still in her womb, and relatives demanded her mother to abort or remarry. Despite the pressure, Kriti’s mother persisted and raised her alone. As a child, Kriti faced physical and verbal abuse from relatives who considered her cursed. She was even poisoned at the age of 10, but managed to survive and recover through Japanese reiki therapy.
Education and Career
Kriti’s educational journey was marked by challenges due to her physical disability. However, she managed to accelerate her studies and eventually earned a Doctorate in Psychology at the Jai Narain Vyas University in Jodhpur. Her experience working with NGOs and counseling children led her to establish Saarthi Trust in 2011, with the mission of rescuing and rehabilitating victims of child marriage.
Saarthi Trust and Impact
Saarthi Trust works on a grassroots level, ensuring the rehabilitation and welfare of child marriage victims after rescue. The organization provides education, vocational training, and employment opportunities to ensure the independence of the victims. Kriti’s team has annulled more than 29 child marriages and stopped over 850 more, making a significant impact in combating child marriage in India. As of 2021, Saarthi Trust has annulled over 41 child marriages and prevented more than 1,400 from occurring.
Recognition and Awards
Kriti’s work has garnered international recognition and accolades. She has been included in the Limca Book of Records, and her inspiring story is also part of the CBSE curriculum. In 2021, The Hershey Company launched a special chocolate edition in honor of Dr. Kriti Bharti, recognizing her remarkable efforts in combating child marriage. Dr. Bharti has also been included in the World Top Ten Activist List of the US-based TAFFD Magazine, List of 100 Influential Women by BBC, and won the International Changemaker title by Girls not Brides, 16 Role Models title by Pixel Projects, Marwar and Mewar Ratna, and other national and international honors for saving children from exploitation
Conclusion
Kriti Bharti’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her work with Saarthi Trust has made a significant impact in combating child marriage in India, and her dedication to empowering young girls and women is an inspiration to many. Despite facing threats and challenges, Kriti remains steadfast in her mission to protect the rights of vulnerable children and advocate for social justice.