Mr. Durgesh Kumar is the Founder of JFI Social Welfare Foundation. He is a legal professional and a dedicated social & RTI activist. His journey is a reflection of determination, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Born and raised in a middle-class family, he developed a deep sense of social responsibility from an early age. Even as a child, he possessed an exceptional intellectual curiosity and consistently excelled in academics. However, his aspirations extended beyond personal success. He was deeply concerned about the inequalities and injustices faced by vulnerable sections of society, particularly children and women, and began raising his voice for their rights from a young age. His academic journey reflects his passion for understanding governance, public policy, and social change.
He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (H) from Ramjas College, University of Delhi, one of India's most prestigious institutions. He further pursued his Post graduation in Political Science (H) and LL.B., strengthening his understanding of social and constitutional issues that continue to shape his work today.
Driven by a desire to create meaningful impact at the grassroots level, Durgesh Kumar worked closely with the Government of Delhi on issues related to children's education and welfare. During this period, he played a significant role in facilitating the admission of more than 1,600 underprivileged children into schools, helping them access their fundamental right to education and opening doors to a brighter future. His commitment to child rights led to his association with the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), where he contributed actively towards strengthening child protection mechanisms and ensuring educational opportunities for economically weaker sections of society.
In pursuit of broader social impact, he later worked with the organization founded by Sh. Kailash Satyarthi, the renowned Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and global child rights champion. During his tenure, he actively participated in initiatives aimed at rescuing child labourers, rehabilitating vulnerable children, and advancing child protection efforts across communities.
This experience profoundly shaped his vision and reinforced his belief that every child deserves a safe childhood, quality education, and a life of dignity. These experiences became the foundation of a lifelong mission. Inspired by the realities he witnessed and the lives he helped transform, he resolved to dedicate his life to protecting the rights of children and women and advocating for systemic legal and social reforms. With this vision, he established this organization as a platform to create lasting change through legal intervention, policy advocacy, research, awareness, and community engagement.
Today, Advocate Durgesh Kumar practices before various District Courts across India as well as the Delhi High Court, representing and supporting individuals in matters concerning justice, equality, and human rights. Alongside his legal practice, he continues to work tirelessly for the protection of children, the empowerment of women, and the advancement of legal reforms that strengthen access to justice for all. Under his leadership, the organization remains committed to its core mission of protecting child rights, safeguarding women's rights, and promoting progressive legal reforms and research. His vision is rooted in the belief that a truly developed society is one where every child is protected, every woman is empowered, and every citizen has equal access to justice.