Bhikshavratti Mukt Abhiyan
A Voice of Opportunity and identity with dignity
Rahul- 2020 Batch
“बदलाव से ही मेरा बदलाव हुआ” – Ramesh (2020)
Forty-year-old Ramesh (fictious name) lives with his wife and three children in Bihar Nagar, Mawaiya. Today he owns his own home, two rickshaws, and a shop. He has no complaints from life now but there was a time when his days and nights passed begging at Lucknow railway station. He says, “आज भी जब उस समय को याद करता हूँ, तो बहुत दर्द होता है। बचपन को याद करता हूँ, तो भी दर्द होता है।”
Ramesh’s childhood was full of struggle. At the age of five, he was struck by polio, so severe that he could not walk for two years. His father arranged treatment while Ramesh was at home, but after he left home, he somehow gathered money and got himself treated. He shares that after trying treatment in several places, he found some relief in Visakhapatnam, and by around the age of nineteen he was able to stand on his own feet again. When his mother passed away in his childhood, his father remarried. His stepmother treated him very badly she would scold and beat him every day. When he could no longer bear it, Ramesh left home. He had no idea where he would go or what he would do he simply walked out and came to Lucknow. He was about seventeen years old at the time. Lucknow was not entirely unfamiliar to him, as his maternal grandparents’ home was in Aminabad, but after leaving home he never felt like going there. He had only a thousand rupees in his pocket, brought from home. He bought food as long as the money lasted, but once it ran out, hunger and circumstance forced him to beg for food from people at the station. Recalling that period, he says, “उलझन बहुत होती थी। कुछ अच्छा नहीं लगता था। रहने खाने सभी चीज की दिक्कत होती थी।”
He did not even have the freedom to simply stand somewhere sometimes the police, sometimes passers-by, taunts came from every direction. He shares, “मांगकर खाने में घुटन होती थी।”
He also tried to leave begging behind and earn a living. He pushed someone else’s handcart in Lucknow, for which he was paid only twenty rupees a day. How could he survive on that? Compelled by circumstance, he was pushed back onto the path of begging. He then opened his own paan-masala shop near the station, but even there his troubles did not end. Sometimes the police would chase him away, and once all his goods were stolen. Beaten down again and again by life, he was brought right back to the point from where he had started. Having lost hope in himself, Ramesh went back to begging and it was during this time that he met with ‘Badlav’ team. Badlav fully supported him in opening his own shop. An egg-biryani cart was arranged for him. From the cart to the utensils to the necessary money Badlav provided everything so that he could earn his own living and live a dignified life With emotion in his voice, Ramesh says, “बदलाव से पहले कोई रास्ता दिखाने वाला नहीं था। जैसे माँ-बाप ऊँगली पकड़कर बच्चे को चलना सिखाते हैं, उसी तरह शरद भैया ने मेरी ऊँगली पकड़कर मुझे सही रास्ता दिखाया।”
Even today, Ramesh walks that same path with honesty and self-respect. He says with pride, “बदलाव से ही मेरा बदलाव हुआ। अब मैं दो गाड़ियों का मालिक हूँ।” Those who once ate by begging amid taunts and humiliation are now earning through hard work. It is this change that brings him peace. Today he holds his head high with dignity in society. “अब लोग दूर नहीं करते, बल्कि साथ बैठने को कहते हैं। तब और अब में बहुत फर्क है।” He believes that if a person wishes to change themselves and has the courage to struggle, change in life is possible. Now that his dark life has turned into light, he says, “ज़िंदगी में अगर दीपक जलाओगे तो उजाला होगा, नहीं जलाओगे तो अंधेरे में ही रहोगे।”
Forty-year-old Ramesh (fictious name) lives with his wife and three children in Bihar Nagar, Mawaiya. Today he owns his own home, two rickshaws, and a shop. He has no complaints from life now but there was a time when his days and nights passed begging at Lucknow railway station. He says, “आज भी जब उस समय को याद करता हूँ, तो बहुत दर्द होता है। बचपन को याद करता हूँ, तो भी दर्द होता है।”
Ramesh’s childhood was full of struggle. At the age of five, he was struck by polio, so severe that he could not walk for two years. His father arranged treatment while Ramesh was at home, but after he left home, he somehow gathered money and got himself treated. He shares that after trying treatment in several places, he found some relief in Visakhapatnam, and by around the age of nineteen he was able to stand on his own feet again. When his mother passed away in his childhood, his father remarried. His stepmother treated him very badly she would scold and beat him every day. When he could no longer bear it, Ramesh left home. He had no idea where he would go or what he would do he simply walked out and came to Lucknow. He was about seventeen years old at the time. Lucknow was not entirely unfamiliar to him, as his maternal grandparents’ home was in Aminabad, but after leaving home he never felt like going there. He had only a thousand rupees in his pocket, brought from home. He bought food as long as the money lasted, but once it ran out, hunger and circumstance forced him to beg for food from people at the station. Recalling that period, he says, “उलझन बहुत होती थी। कुछ अच्छा नहीं लगता था। रहने खाने सभी चीज की दिक्कत होती थी।”
He did not even have the freedom to simply stand somewhere sometimes the police, sometimes passers-by, taunts came from every direction. He shares, “मांगकर खाने में घुटन होती थी।”
He also tried to leave begging behind and earn a living. He pushed someone else’s handcart in Lucknow, for which he was paid only twenty rupees a day. How could he survive on that? Compelled by circumstance, he was pushed back onto the path of begging. He then opened his own paan-masala shop near the station, but even there his troubles did not end. Sometimes the police would chase him away, and once all his goods were stolen. Beaten down again and again by life, he was brought right back to the point from where he had started. Having lost hope in himself, Ramesh went back to begging and it was during this time that he met with ‘Badlav’ team. Badlav fully supported him in opening his own shop. An egg-biryani cart was arranged for him. From the cart to the utensils to the necessary money Badlav provided everything so that he could earn his own living and live a dignified life With emotion in his voice, Ramesh says, “बदलाव से पहले कोई रास्ता दिखाने वाला नहीं था। जैसे माँ-बाप ऊँगली पकड़कर बच्चे को चलना सिखाते हैं, उसी तरह शरद भैया ने मेरी ऊँगली पकड़कर मुझे सही रास्ता दिखाया।”
Even today, Ramesh walks that same path with honesty and self-respect. He says with pride, “बदलाव से ही मेरा बदलाव हुआ। अब मैं दो गाड़ियों का मालिक हूँ।” Those who once ate by begging amid taunts and humiliation are now earning through hard work. It is this change that brings him peace. Today he holds his head high with dignity in society. “अब लोग दूर नहीं करते, बल्कि साथ बैठने को कहते हैं। तब और अब में बहुत फर्क है।” He believes that if a person wishes to change themselves and has the courage to struggle, change in life is possible. Now that his dark life has turned into light, he says, “ज़िंदगी में अगर दीपक जलाओगे तो उजाला होगा, नहीं जलाओगे तो अंधेरे में ही रहोगे।”
Umakant -2024 Batch
“मैंने सोचा था कि चलने लायक नहीं बचेंगे : Girijesh (2024)
In Girijesh’s (fictious name) rented room today, there is everything an ordinary family would have. All the spice boxes are full of spices, the bottles are filled with lentils, and there is enough vegetables and rice too. His two sons go to school. Girijesh himself leaves for work every morning and returns home in the evening to his wife and children. This is the same Girijesh who once cut himself off entirely from his family. Born in Hardoi, Girijesh used to work with his brother. Then some difficulties arose and he left everything behind and came to Lucknow.
After coming here, he neither missed anyone nor felt like going back. He wandered around the temples and mosques of Lucknow city. In the beginning, for many days his mind stayed numb, wondering what next. There were many problems, but the thought of going back never came.
After spending a long time with disrespect on the footpaths, temples and mosques of Lucknow, he went home. There his brothers made him understand, and after that he stayed on. In 2009 he got married. Then his mother passed away, and a year later his father too passed away. He had taken money from people and could not repay that debt. This was the reason he came back to Lucknow again. He began to like Lucknow because here there was no burden of anyone’s debt. He says a kind of resolve had settled in his mind that he did not want to meet anyone now, neither his children nor his wife. In the lockdown of 2020, his difficulties increased. This was a time when people did not step out of their homes, so who would feed him? He spent many days surviving only on water. Food distribution stopped even at the temples, and no official ever came to check on him.
He shares, “उस वक्त होली के त्योहार के बाद कई दिनों तक तो कोई अधिकारी भी देखने नहीं आया। वहीं गोमती के किनारे पड़े रहे।” In 2023, one night he was walking along the road. That day an accident happened to him. He got a deep injury on his leg which later turned into tetanus. “चोट लगने के बाद कुछ दिन मंदिर पर माँगते रहे,” he says, his eyes moist, his voice choked. When asked further, he kept repeating the same word again and again as if that moment still pains him more than the injury itself. His treatment is still going on.
Recalling that moment, he shares, “जब हमने चोट खाई तब कौन देखने वाला था? जो मेरे सगे-संबंधी भीख मांगकर आते थे, बस दो-चार दिन देखा, फिर हो गया।” This injury certainly struck his legs, but it also taught him a lesson for life. He began to feel the absence of family. In the midst of this emptiness, in 2024 ‘Badlav’ met with him like a family and got him treated. He stayed at the shelter home for seven months. Earlier he was not even in a condition to walk properly, he walked with the support of a walker. After coming here, he was able to walk on his own feet again. Having lost hope of recovering, Girijesh shares, “मैंने सोचा था कि चलने लायक नहीं बचेंगे।” Badlav taught Girijesh the importance of living with family, and with that understanding he went back to his home. Badlav connected him to livelihood and fully supported him in setting up his own cart. Today he lives in a two-thousand-rupee rented room in Lucknow with his wife and children. He now realises that living on the road and living in a home are worlds apart. He has now understood that the taste of one’s own hard-earned food is very different from food given by someone else. “पहले की ज़िंदगी और अब में बहुत फ़र्क है,” Girijesh feels this today. Girijesh says, “परिवार के साथ बहुत अच्छा लगता है। शाम को काम से आते हैं, बच्चे मिलते हैं, खाना बनाते हैं, खाते हैं, दो-चार बातें होती हैं, फिर सो जाते हैं।” Today he owes no one any debt, has no shortage of food, no struggle of having to beg from anyone. What remains is simply a duty o take care of his family and to build his children’s future.
In Girijesh’s (fictious name) rented room today, there is everything an ordinary family would have. All the spice boxes are full of spices, the bottles are filled with lentils, and there is enough vegetables and rice too. His two sons go to school. Girijesh himself leaves for work every morning and returns home in the evening to his wife and children. This is the same Girijesh who once cut himself off entirely from his family. Born in Hardoi, Girijesh used to work with his brother. Then some difficulties arose and he left everything behind and came to Lucknow.
After coming here, he neither missed anyone nor felt like going back. He wandered around the temples and mosques of Lucknow city. In the beginning, for many days his mind stayed numb, wondering what next. There were many problems, but the thought of going back never came.
After spending a long time with disrespect on the footpaths, temples and mosques of Lucknow, he went home. There his brothers made him understand, and after that he stayed on. In 2009 he got married. Then his mother passed away, and a year later his father too passed away. He had taken money from people and could not repay that debt. This was the reason he came back to Lucknow again. He began to like Lucknow because here there was no burden of anyone’s debt. He says a kind of resolve had settled in his mind that he did not want to meet anyone now, neither his children nor his wife. In the lockdown of 2020, his difficulties increased. This was a time when people did not step out of their homes, so who would feed him? He spent many days surviving only on water. Food distribution stopped even at the temples, and no official ever came to check on him.
He shares, “उस वक्त होली के त्योहार के बाद कई दिनों तक तो कोई अधिकारी भी देखने नहीं आया। वहीं गोमती के किनारे पड़े रहे।” In 2023, one night he was walking along the road. That day an accident happened to him. He got a deep injury on his leg which later turned into tetanus. “चोट लगने के बाद कुछ दिन मंदिर पर माँगते रहे,” he says, his eyes moist, his voice choked. When asked further, he kept repeating the same word again and again as if that moment still pains him more than the injury itself. His treatment is still going on.
Recalling that moment, he shares, “जब हमने चोट खाई तब कौन देखने वाला था? जो मेरे सगे-संबंधी भीख मांगकर आते थे, बस दो-चार दिन देखा, फिर हो गया।” This injury certainly struck his legs, but it also taught him a lesson for life. He began to feel the absence of family. In the midst of this emptiness, in 2024 ‘Badlav’ met with him like a family and got him treated. He stayed at the shelter home for seven months. Earlier he was not even in a condition to walk properly, he walked with the support of a walker. After coming here, he was able to walk on his own feet again. Having lost hope of recovering, Girijesh shares, “मैंने सोचा था कि चलने लायक नहीं बचेंगे।” Badlav taught Girijesh the importance of living with family, and with that understanding he went back to his home. Badlav connected him to livelihood and fully supported him in setting up his own cart. Today he lives in a two-thousand-rupee rented room in Lucknow with his wife and children. He now realises that living on the road and living in a home are worlds apart. He has now understood that the taste of one’s own hard-earned food is very different from food given by someone else. “पहले की ज़िंदगी और अब में बहुत फ़र्क है,” Girijesh feels this today. Girijesh says, “परिवार के साथ बहुत अच्छा लगता है। शाम को काम से आते हैं, बच्चे मिलते हैं, खाना बनाते हैं, खाते हैं, दो-चार बातें होती हैं, फिर सो जाते हैं।” Today he owes no one any debt, has no shortage of food, no struggle of having to beg from anyone. What remains is simply a duty o take care of his family and to build his children’s future.
Maya Kumari Gautam- 2025 Batch
“हर चीज़ मेरे हाथ में नहीं है, लेकिन मेरा हौसला मेरे हाथ में है”- Mansi (2025)
24-year-old Mansi (fictious name) is the mother of two daughters, and her life has been filled with physical disability, sacrifice, and social neglect. Paralysed from the waist down, her ability to move is severely limited, making her dependent on others even for everyday tasks. After being abandoned by her husband, who refused to take responsibility for the children, Mansi returned to her parental home but even there she found no support, only taunts and humiliation. Her brother and sister-in-law repeatedly asked her to go back to her marital home, where she had already faced rejection and torment because of her disability.
Living with her elderly mother in a house without electricity or a toilet, Mansi struggled every single day. Even for defecation she had to repeatedly ask her neighbours, which was a source of deep shame and humiliation for her. With no economic support, she was forced to beg near Aishbagh railway station to feed her children. Despite these hardships, Mansi had studied up to class 8, and within her was a strong desire that her children receive a good education and not live the life she had lived. Behind her struggle was a deep longing: to live with dignity. When her counselling began, Mansi was emotionally deeply broken. Anger, frustration and bitterness filled her, which would erupt again and again. In the early sessions, she was given a safe, non-judgmental space where she could express her pain openly. Gradually, through empathetic dialogue and guidance, she came to understand that her anger was not her weakness, but a response to long-standing pain and helplessness. Through cognitive-behavioural techniques she learned to recognise her emotional triggers and understand what was within her control and what was not. Slowly, instead of blaming herself, she developed compassion and acceptance towards herself.
Mansi now says, “हर चीज़ मेरे हाथ में नहीं है, लेकिन मेरा हौसला मेरे हाथ में है।”
Over time, a big change came in her behaviour and thinking. Even though her family’s circumstances did not change, she developed strength and balance within herself. She set boundaries for herself and began focusing on her goals. With emotional stability, she took steps towards livelihood. With Badlav’s support, she started a tea stall near Aishbagh railway station the very place where she once used to beg. Gradually, through her hard work, dedication and continuous effort, Mansi grew this small stall further and succeeded in opening a small petty shop upgrading her work from cart. Today, Mansi is not only running her petty shop, but also she has enrolled her children in school, moving firmly towards becoming self-reliant. Within her now, confidence, resolve and a determination to build a better future for her children are clearly visible. Her goal is clear to educate her children, to be a support for her elderly mother, and to live a life of dignity. Mansi’s journey teaches us that empowerment does not come only from getting an opportunity, but from reawakening self-respect and courage within oneself.
24-year-old Mansi (fictious name) is the mother of two daughters, and her life has been filled with physical disability, sacrifice, and social neglect. Paralysed from the waist down, her ability to move is severely limited, making her dependent on others even for everyday tasks. After being abandoned by her husband, who refused to take responsibility for the children, Mansi returned to her parental home but even there she found no support, only taunts and humiliation. Her brother and sister-in-law repeatedly asked her to go back to her marital home, where she had already faced rejection and torment because of her disability.
Living with her elderly mother in a house without electricity or a toilet, Mansi struggled every single day. Even for defecation she had to repeatedly ask her neighbours, which was a source of deep shame and humiliation for her. With no economic support, she was forced to beg near Aishbagh railway station to feed her children. Despite these hardships, Mansi had studied up to class 8, and within her was a strong desire that her children receive a good education and not live the life she had lived. Behind her struggle was a deep longing: to live with dignity. When her counselling began, Mansi was emotionally deeply broken. Anger, frustration and bitterness filled her, which would erupt again and again. In the early sessions, she was given a safe, non-judgmental space where she could express her pain openly. Gradually, through empathetic dialogue and guidance, she came to understand that her anger was not her weakness, but a response to long-standing pain and helplessness. Through cognitive-behavioural techniques she learned to recognise her emotional triggers and understand what was within her control and what was not. Slowly, instead of blaming herself, she developed compassion and acceptance towards herself.
Mansi now says, “हर चीज़ मेरे हाथ में नहीं है, लेकिन मेरा हौसला मेरे हाथ में है।”
Over time, a big change came in her behaviour and thinking. Even though her family’s circumstances did not change, she developed strength and balance within herself. She set boundaries for herself and began focusing on her goals. With emotional stability, she took steps towards livelihood. With Badlav’s support, she started a tea stall near Aishbagh railway station the very place where she once used to beg. Gradually, through her hard work, dedication and continuous effort, Mansi grew this small stall further and succeeded in opening a small petty shop upgrading her work from cart. Today, Mansi is not only running her petty shop, but also she has enrolled her children in school, moving firmly towards becoming self-reliant. Within her now, confidence, resolve and a determination to build a better future for her children are clearly visible. Her goal is clear to educate her children, to be a support for her elderly mother, and to live a life of dignity. Mansi’s journey teaches us that empowerment does not come only from getting an opportunity, but from reawakening self-respect and courage within oneself.
Mohit Kumar (2025)
अगर शरीर साथ दे और काम का सहारा मिल जाए, तो हम भी अच्छा जीवन जी सकते हैं — Pankaj Kumar (2025)
35-year-old Pankaj Kumar (fictious name), originally hails from Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow. Since childhood, a genetic illness left him with disability in his legs, which grew more severe over time. Constant wounds on his legs and difficulty in walking became the biggest challenge of his life. After his mother’s death, another major change came into his life. After his father’s remarriage, he did not get the support he expected from the family. Family discord and neglect forced him to leave home.
Having learnt barbering, he started his own work for some time and life began to get back on track. But due to the growing wounds on his legs and his physical condition, he had to stop his work. For treatment and daily needs, he was forced to beg.
Even so, he did not lose courage and tried to start a small shop on the footpath, but within 6–7 months his physical condition worsened further. His inability to walk pushed him back towards begging. Whatever little money he got was spent entirely on treatment and daily needs. Without any family support, his life had become extremely difficult.
Around this time he came to know about Badlav, and with the hope of better treatment and livelihood, he came to the rehabilitation centre. At the centre he was provided medical assistance along with individual counselling. In counselling sessions he expressed the pain, loneliness and despair within him. Participating in group sessions helped him understand that he was not alone and that change in life was possible. Through mental health support, confidence and resilience were built within him. Keeping his physical condition in mind for livelihood, he was guided to start a small, suitable business. He began selling paan, masala and other small items in the local market using his tricycle. Along with this, he also began contributing by cutting hair for other participants at the centre, which gave him a sense of self-satisfaction and connection with society.
Today Pankaj’s life is far more stable and positive than before. Regular income, interaction with people, and a purposeful daily routine have re-established self-respect and confidence within him. The despair in his mind has now turned into hope.
Pankaj says, “अगर शरीर साथ दे और काम का सहारा मिल जाए, तो हम भी अच्छा जीवन जी सकते हैं।”
His journey is one that moves from physical disability, family neglect and begging, towards self-reliance, dignity and a purposeful life. This story shows that with the right support, rehabilitation and opportunity, anyone can give their life a new direction.
35-year-old Pankaj Kumar (fictious name), originally hails from Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow. Since childhood, a genetic illness left him with disability in his legs, which grew more severe over time. Constant wounds on his legs and difficulty in walking became the biggest challenge of his life. After his mother’s death, another major change came into his life. After his father’s remarriage, he did not get the support he expected from the family. Family discord and neglect forced him to leave home.
Having learnt barbering, he started his own work for some time and life began to get back on track. But due to the growing wounds on his legs and his physical condition, he had to stop his work. For treatment and daily needs, he was forced to beg.
Even so, he did not lose courage and tried to start a small shop on the footpath, but within 6–7 months his physical condition worsened further. His inability to walk pushed him back towards begging. Whatever little money he got was spent entirely on treatment and daily needs. Without any family support, his life had become extremely difficult.
Around this time he came to know about Badlav, and with the hope of better treatment and livelihood, he came to the rehabilitation centre. At the centre he was provided medical assistance along with individual counselling. In counselling sessions he expressed the pain, loneliness and despair within him. Participating in group sessions helped him understand that he was not alone and that change in life was possible. Through mental health support, confidence and resilience were built within him. Keeping his physical condition in mind for livelihood, he was guided to start a small, suitable business. He began selling paan, masala and other small items in the local market using his tricycle. Along with this, he also began contributing by cutting hair for other participants at the centre, which gave him a sense of self-satisfaction and connection with society.
Today Pankaj’s life is far more stable and positive than before. Regular income, interaction with people, and a purposeful daily routine have re-established self-respect and confidence within him. The despair in his mind has now turned into hope.
Pankaj says, “अगर शरीर साथ दे और काम का सहारा मिल जाए, तो हम भी अच्छा जीवन जी सकते हैं।”
His journey is one that moves from physical disability, family neglect and begging, towards self-reliance, dignity and a purposeful life. This story shows that with the right support, rehabilitation and opportunity, anyone can give their life a new direction.
Kallu (2025)
“सोचता था किसके लिए कमाऊं, अब अपना घर बनाना चाहता हूं”- Kamlesh (2025)
Kamlesh (fictious name), a resident of Kankahan village near Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, has lived a life full of struggle. In 1982, at the mere age of seven, he lost his mother. He was an only son, and his father had about 2 bighas of land, on which the family survived through farming and labour. But after his father’s death in 1985, he was left completely alone. His stepmother went to live with his uncle, and Kamlesh was left with no support at all.
Being angry and stubborn by nature since childhood, the loneliness and continuous losses gradually pushed him towards alcohol. While doing farm labour, he fell into debt to the village Pradhan, who, through false promises, took over his 2 bighas of land as well. This left Kamlesh landless, and he silently bore this humiliation. After a failed marriage, he came to Lucknow in search of work and began doing labour. But due to excessive drinking and an unstable life, he was forced to live in temples, railway stations and on footpaths.
There came a time when both his legs developed a severe infection. He lay on the footpath near the railway station for seven days without food. Driven by hunger, he picked up a rotten orange thrown away by a juice-seller’s cart and ate it only after making sure no one was watching. This was the most difficult and humiliating period of his life.With no support left, he began surviving by begging, even though it was deeply shameful for him. Even so, he did not give up hope.
Later, after some relief from ordinary medicines, he came to know about Badlav and contacted the team himself. At the rehabilitation centre he found shelter, basic facilities, and the inspiration to start his life afresh. During his stay at the centre, he received individual counselling and also took part in group sessions, through which he understood that he was not alone. Gradually his confidence grew, and he decided to give up begging and take up work. After staying at the rehabilitation centre, his health improved, with Badlav’s support he started earning a livelihood. He began by selling corn, then water chestnuts, and now he sells peanuts in the Charbagh and Aishbagh areas. Today Kamlesh earns around 400–450 rupees a day and is moving towards a stable life.
Sharing his story, Kamlesh becomes emotional and says, “मेरी मजबूरी का फायदा सबने उठाया- मेरा परिवार, मेरे गाँव का प्रधान, यह समाज… जिसने मुझे सड़ा फल खाकर जीने पर मजबूर किया। सोचता था किसके लिए कमाऊं, क्या करूँ पैसे का… लेकिन अब जीना चाहता हूँ, अपना एक छोटा सा घर बनाना चाहता हूँ।”
Kamlesh’s journey is one that travels from a humiliating life spent on the footpath to reaching self-reliance and restoring identity with dignity. This story tells us that with the right support, counselling and opportunity, anyone can give their life a new direction.
Kamlesh (fictious name), a resident of Kankahan village near Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, has lived a life full of struggle. In 1982, at the mere age of seven, he lost his mother. He was an only son, and his father had about 2 bighas of land, on which the family survived through farming and labour. But after his father’s death in 1985, he was left completely alone. His stepmother went to live with his uncle, and Kamlesh was left with no support at all.
Being angry and stubborn by nature since childhood, the loneliness and continuous losses gradually pushed him towards alcohol. While doing farm labour, he fell into debt to the village Pradhan, who, through false promises, took over his 2 bighas of land as well. This left Kamlesh landless, and he silently bore this humiliation. After a failed marriage, he came to Lucknow in search of work and began doing labour. But due to excessive drinking and an unstable life, he was forced to live in temples, railway stations and on footpaths.
There came a time when both his legs developed a severe infection. He lay on the footpath near the railway station for seven days without food. Driven by hunger, he picked up a rotten orange thrown away by a juice-seller’s cart and ate it only after making sure no one was watching. This was the most difficult and humiliating period of his life.With no support left, he began surviving by begging, even though it was deeply shameful for him. Even so, he did not give up hope.
Later, after some relief from ordinary medicines, he came to know about Badlav and contacted the team himself. At the rehabilitation centre he found shelter, basic facilities, and the inspiration to start his life afresh. During his stay at the centre, he received individual counselling and also took part in group sessions, through which he understood that he was not alone. Gradually his confidence grew, and he decided to give up begging and take up work. After staying at the rehabilitation centre, his health improved, with Badlav’s support he started earning a livelihood. He began by selling corn, then water chestnuts, and now he sells peanuts in the Charbagh and Aishbagh areas. Today Kamlesh earns around 400–450 rupees a day and is moving towards a stable life.
Sharing his story, Kamlesh becomes emotional and says, “मेरी मजबूरी का फायदा सबने उठाया- मेरा परिवार, मेरे गाँव का प्रधान, यह समाज… जिसने मुझे सड़ा फल खाकर जीने पर मजबूर किया। सोचता था किसके लिए कमाऊं, क्या करूँ पैसे का… लेकिन अब जीना चाहता हूँ, अपना एक छोटा सा घर बनाना चाहता हूँ।”
Kamlesh’s journey is one that travels from a humiliating life spent on the footpath to reaching self-reliance and restoring identity with dignity. This story tells us that with the right support, counselling and opportunity, anyone can give their life a new direction.
Who We Are
The inspiration behind Badlav dates back to 2003 when Sharad Patel came to Lucknow from his village to pursue higher studies. Outside the railway station, he saw many people including children begging for food and money, some also using intoxicants openly. This was new for him, as no one begged in his village. The scene made him feel worried and pushed him to think deeply about their lives and struggles.
Quick Link
What We Do
Connect Us
Communication Address:
C-1857, Rajajipuram, Lucknow, UP-226017
Registered Address:
545, KA/5 U20, Shukla Vihar, Near St. Anthony Public College, Para, Lucknow, UP-226017
C-1857, Rajajipuram, Lucknow, UP-226017
Registered Address:
545, KA/5 U20, Shukla Vihar, Near St. Anthony Public College, Para, Lucknow, UP-226017
© All Copyright 2026 by Badlav India
Terms | Privacy