Women's Day 2025: Meet Dr Kriti Bharti, Crusader Against Child Marriage

Dr Kriti Bharti of Jodhpur has gained recognition not only in India but also worldwide for her fight against child marriage. Included among the world's 100 most influential women, Dr Kriti has successfully annulled over 50 child marriages.

Additionally, she has played a crucial role in preventing more than 2,000 child marriages and rehabilitating over 21,000 women. Her significant contributions to social justice have earned her numerous prestigious national and international awards.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/DrKritiBharti

With her relentless efforts and dedication, this daughter of Jodhpur has set an example of women's empowerment, making her an inspiration both in India and globally. On the occasion of International Women's Day, let us explore Dr Kriti's inspiring journey.

A Childhood Filled with Struggles

Dr Kriti Bharti's childhood was fraught with struggles. Even before she was born, her father abandoned her mother, leaving her to face hardships from an early age. When Kriti was just ten years old, a relative attempted to poison her. The attack left her in a critical condition, confining her to bed and rendering her unable to move. During this difficult time, she came into contact with a guru from Bhilwara, who introduced her to Reiki therapy. This therapy provided her with significant relief, and over time, her health improved. It took nearly two years for her to recover completely. After regaining her health, Kriti pursued her education and later stepped into social service, becoming a symbol of women's empowerment.

Establishment of Saarthi Trust

In 2011-12, Dr Kriti Bharti founded the Saarthi Trust in Jodhpur, an organisation dedicated to creating a child marriage-free society. Her efforts led to the annulment of India's first child marriage in 2012. This groundbreaking achievement earned her a place in the Limca Book of Records and World Records India, among seven other records.

Dr Kriti's campaign was even included in the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum, ensuring that the message reached children effectively. She has administered an oath to over 25,000 villagers and students to prevent child marriage. Furthermore, she has rehabilitated more than 25,000 children and women. Her work has proved to be a milestone in the eradication of child marriage and the empowerment of women.

Brand Ambassador for 'Balika Vadhu'

Kriti has served as the brand ambassador for both seasons of the popular television series 'Balika Vadhu'. After successfully annulling the first child marriage, she was honoured by the Colors television channel for her contribution.

A Globally Recognised Social Activist

Dr Kriti Bharti's courageous campaign to annul child marriages has been widely appreciated at both national and international levels. She has received prestigious awards such as the Indira Shakti Award, Women of the Future Award, and Garima Balika Suraksha Award.

On the international front, she was honoured with the Human Rights Award in Geneva, Switzerland, while the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) awarded her the Children's Champion Award. The Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court also gave her a special honour for annulling a child marriage within three days. BBC has included her in its list of 100 inspirational women.

Dr Kriti Bharti firmly believes that a strong India can only be built by ending the exploitation of young girls. True empowerment is not merely about following traditions but about ensuring that girls are truly strengthened. By doing so, they can raise their voices against child marriage, domestic violence, gender-based exploitation, and harassment, ultimately fighting for their own rights.