Surjeet Lodhi was just 13 when he began fighting alcoholism and child labour in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. Today, at 17, he has helped shut down five liquor shops and enrolled over 120 children in school.
Surjeet grew up in a large family struggling financially, worsened by his father’s drinking. “My father lost everything to alcohol. I knew if someone didn’t step up, nothing would change,” he said.
In 2016, he heard about the Bal Mitra Gram programme by the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation — a group that empowers children to reclaim their rights and free villages from child labour and abuse.
“Initially, no one took us seriously. As a 14-year-old, it was hard to reason with adults who refused to see you as equals,” he says. So, he mobilised 90+ children to raise awareness about alcohol’s harmful effects in their community.
Next, Surjeet worked with the gram panchayat and police to close illegal liquor shops. He also helped former shop owners find new livelihoods as daily wage workers.
He also organised awareness drives across five villages, reaching over 400 people — including village council members—and inspired local women to demand financial support for education instead of alcohol.
During the COVID lockdown, Surjeet led initiatives to provide food, promote vaccination, and prevent child labour and trafficking.
In July 2020, Surjeet received the prestigious Diana Award for his humanitarian work. The award honours young changemakers advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Balancing studies with activism, Surjeet aims to expand his work nationally and help every child who wants to study. His story shows how courage and commitment can transform communities and protect children.