Our Inspiration – Late Smt. Dulari Devi "Barki Aaji"
A Life, A Vision, and A Legacy That Gave Birth to Dulari Devi Foundation
By Preeti Pandey, Founder & Director, Dulari Devi Foundation

Every organization has a story. The story of Dulari Devi Foundation did not begin with a business plan, a project, or an office. It began with the extraordinary life of a simple village woman whose compassion, wisdom, and selfless service touched countless lives. She was Late Smt. Dulari Devi, lovingly known throughout her village as "Barki Aaji."

Nearly 100–115 years ago, at a time when child marriage was common, girls' education was rarely encouraged, and women were expected to remain confined to household responsibilities, Dulari Devi was born into a humble family. At the tender age of around 10, she was married into a respected Zamindar (landlord) family in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh.

Although life placed great responsibilities on her shoulders at a very young age, she never allowed circumstances to limit her vision. Formally educated only up to Class 5, she possessed extraordinary wisdom, compassion, and foresight. Long before concepts like women empowerment, social welfare, and community development became part of public discourse, she was already living those values every single day.

She firmly believed that education was the greatest gift one could offer to society. During a time when educating girls was considered unnecessary, she would personally encourage families to send their daughters to school, saying:

"Educate a daughter, and you illuminate generations."
She believed that empowering women meant empowering entire families and communities. Her progressive thinking continues to inspire every women empowerment initiative undertaken by Dulari Devi Foundation today.

For the people of her village, Barki Aaji's home was a home for everyone. No one in need ever returned empty-handed. Whether a family lacked food, a bride needed clothes and utensils for her wedding, or someone was facing hardship, she quietly stepped forward to help without expecting anything in return. She often said:
"Eat one less roti yourself, but never let a hungry person leave your doorstep empty-handed."
Festivals, for her, were meaningful only when every family in the village could celebrate with dignity. She believed that true happiness lies in sharing, not in possessing.

Her compassion extended beyond human beings. She cared deeply for animals, especially abandoned and injured cattle, believing that serving those who cannot speak is among the highest forms of humanity.

A deeply spiritual woman, she also dedicated a portion of her land for the construction of a Shiva temple. For her, faith was never about rituals alone it was about bringing people together, fostering harmony, and strengthening communities.

As I, Preeti Pandey, grew up watching my grandmother, I never saw her live for herself. I saw a woman who found happiness in serving others, who believed that kindness was life's greatest wealth, and who taught me that the true measure of a person is not what they own, but how many lives they touch.

After she passed away, her values never left me. I realized that her life's mission should not remain only a cherished family memory. It deserved to become a movement that could continue serving society for generations.

That realization became the foundation of Dulari Devi Foundation.
Today, every initiative of the Foundation—whether in education, women empowerment, nutrition, healthcare, skill development, child welfare, environmental conservation, or community development is inspired by the values that Barki Aaji lived throughout her life.

Her Legacy, Our Commitment
Dulari Devi Foundation is more than a non-profit organization. It is a living tribute to the life, vision, and timeless values of Late Smt. Dulari Devi (Barki Aaji).

Our mission is to build a society where:

• No family sleeps hungry.
• Every girl receives quality education.
• Every woman is empowered and self-reliant.
• Every child has the opportunity to dream and succeed.
• Compassion, dignity, and humanity remain at the heart of social progress.

Every meal we serve, every child we educate, every woman we empower, and every life we uplift carries forward the legacy of Barki Aaji.

"Some people never truly leave this world. They continue to live through the values they leave behind, the lives they transform, and the hope they inspire. Dulari Devi Foundation is our humble effort to carry forward the timeless legacy of Barki Aaji."