From Childhood Curiosity to a Lifelong Mission of Rescue and Rehabilitation
In the bustling lanes of Meerut, a young schoolgirl’s life took a turn that would define her destiny. Her name was Atul Sharma. It was during her early school days, on her daily route, that she first noticed a cluster of women in heavy bridal-like attire—waving, calling out, and smiling at passersby. Her mother’s warning was clear: “Don’t look at them.” But curiosity quietly planted its seed.
What was this place called Kabadi Bazaar? Who were these women? And why did they stand there every day, dressed in finery yet surrounded by an air of sadness?
By the time Atul was around 14, she could no longer ignore her questions. Her search for answers led her to a grim truth—these women were victims of human trafficking, trapped in brothels, many lured by false promises or dragged there through force and deceit. This discovery ignited in her a fire that would burn for a lifetime.
The Birth of Sankalp Samiti
Determined to do more than just witness injustice, Atul founded Sankalp Samiti, an NGO committed to rescuing women and children from the clutches of trafficking. What began as a single-woman effort grew into a movement.
To date, she has rescued over 535 girls from brothels—pulling them from lives of exploitation and giving them the chance to rebuild. These rescues have taken her deep into red-light districts such as GB Road and Kabadi Bazaar, where danger is ever-present, and trust is hard-earned.
Each operation is not just a physical rescue but a battle against fear, psychological conditioning, and a system that too often fails the vulnerable.
Beyond Rescue – Rebuilding Lives
Atul Sharma’s mission extends far beyond freeing victims. Under her leadership, Sankalp Samiti provides:
- Rehabilitation & Counseling – Helping survivors heal from deep emotional and physical trauma.
- Education & Skill Development – Ensuring independence and self-reliance.
- Healthcare & Legal Aid – Addressing immediate needs and protecting rights.
- Awareness Campaigns – Preventing trafficking by educating communities and empowering women.
During the pandemic, Atul launched Project “Aanchal”, a rural women’s employment initiative. By introducing eco-friendly products like Gau Kastha (cow dung logs), she created both a source of income for women and a solution for environmental conservation.
A Warrior’s Reality
Atul’s work is not without peril. Many rescues involve confronting gang leaders, corrupt officials, and dangerous networks. She recalls one rescue vividly—a 16-year-old girl who had spent seven years in confinement, so isolated she didn’t even know what year it was.
“The system didn’t fail her—it never existed for her in the first place,” Atul says.
Her fight also stretches to dismantling begging mafias—rackets that exploit children, often through abduction and mutilation, turning their suffering into profit.
The Numbers Tell the Story
- 30+ years of activism
- 535+ rescues of women and children
- Hundreds of survivors rehabilitated
- National and grassroots recognition as one of India’s most fearless voices against trafficking
The Ongoing Battle
Human trafficking remains one of India’s most urgent crises, especially child sex trafficking. Atul Sharma’s mission is not just to rescue but to reform—to ensure that society, law enforcement, and policy evolve to protect the vulnerable.
Her voice cuts through the silence, urging action and responsibility. As she says, “Every rescue is a victory, but the real success will come when there are no victims left to rescue.”
A Beacon of Hope
In the war against trafficking, Atul Sharma stands as a rare combination of courage, compassion, and persistence. Her work through Sankalp Samiti continues to inspire not just survivors but also an entire generation of changemakers who believe that even in the darkest corners, light can be found—and spread.
Atul Sharma is not just changing lives; she is saving them.
For donation to Sankalp Foundation – Bank name – Atul Sharma Bank – Indian Overseas Bank AC No: 280301000001627 IFSC:IOBA0002803
