Poulomi Pavini Shukla, a distinguished Supreme Court lawyer and social activist from Lucknow, has emerged as a powerful advocate for India’s estimated 2.96 crore orphaned children.
Recognized in Femina’s “Fab 40” and Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” Shukla has dedicated her legal expertise to ensuring that orphans are not forgotten by the state.
She describes these children as being “orphaned in law,” highlighting a systemic negligence where they are often excluded from government schemes and public discourse.
Spark of Activism
Shukla’s commitment began in her youth when she accompanied her mother to meet children orphaned by the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. Her resolve deepened during her college years when she discovered that a bright friend living in an orphanage had no structured scholarships or schemes available to pursue higher education.
Disturbed by this lack of support, she researched the ground reality, visiting hundreds of orphanages across various states. She found that the total government budget for orphans amounted to less than Rs 2 per child daily for all their needs, including food and education.
Legal and Literary Impact
In 2015, Shukla co-authored the book Weakest on Earth – Orphans of India to shed light on the plight of these children. Beyond literature, she took direct legal action by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court.
Her advocacy demanded standardized education, official surveys of the orphan population, and specific reservations in education and employment. She pointed out that even the Right to Education Act failed to specifically list orphaned children among protected groups.
Transforming National Policy
Her persistent efforts have led to tangible policy shifts across India. Following her PIL, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) recommended that orphans be considered part of the OBC category.
Furthermore, several states and Union Territories have responded by increasing budgetary allocations, providing financial aid, and extending educational reservations to orphaned children. Her work has forced a realization that while many districts are mandated to have orphanages, one in five districts still lacks such facilities.
Ground-Level Change
Beyond the courtroom, Shukla runs the “Adopt an Orphanage” program, which provides essential items like books, stationery, and tuition fees to children in need.
She is particularly concerned with the “aftercare” crisis, where orphans are often forced out of shelters at age 18 with no skills or support, leading to high rates of suicide and crime.
The Long Race Ahead
For Shukla, social activism is a “long race” aimed at sensitizing a public that is often indifferent rather than apathetic. Whether she is celebrating Diwali at orphanages or fighting for their rights in court, her goal remains clear, to ensure every orphaned child has a fair chance at a career and a dignified life.
To her, the greatest accomplishment is successfully sponsoring even one child’s education, proving that dedicated advocacy can change a life.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Poulomi Pavini Shukla’s crusade for India’s 2.96 crore orphans exemplifies the empathy and kindness required for positive social change. By challenging the systemic neglect of those “orphaned in law,” she champions a future rooted in harmony.
Her dedicated legal advocacy and grassroots efforts remind us that through dialogue and compassionate action, we can ensure no child is left behind in our collective pursuit of justice and coexistence.
