Suman Kumar was born on January 22, 2003, in a poor family in Delhi. During his mother’s pregnancy, she mistakenly consumed the wrong medicine, which affected her health and led to Suman being born with a congenital condition—folded ankles. This made it difficult for him to walk, and he required extensive medical treatment.
His parents, despite their financial struggles, took a loan to ensure he received the necessary treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital. At the age of five, he underwent surgery to correct his ankle condition. However, even after the procedure, he could not walk like other children and needed constant support from his family. He wore special shoes designed to help him walk properly, but he still struggled, often falling and needing assistance to get back up.
Suman grew up in Thokar Number 8, a slum community in Delhi. His family lived there until 2006 when their home was demolished overnight due to preparations for the Commonwealth Games. Left homeless, they had no choice but to live on the road for several months.
During that time, Dr. Kiran and the Asha team fought with the government to secure proper housing for the affected families. After a long struggle, they were allocated land in Sawda slum community, where they had to start over. Life in Sawda was difficult in the beginning, with no access to clean water, electricity, and proper education. Despite these hardships, Suman’s father set up a small roadside barber shop with a single chair to provide for the family. He earns ₹9,000 per month from this work. Suman was supported by Asha throughout his childhood. He received vaccinations and medical care through the Asha, which helped improve his health. As he grew older, he developed a keen interest in education.
In 2021, when Suman was in his final year of school, his father fell ill, which caused financial strain on the family. To help manage expenses, Suman took a temporary volunteer job at an exam center, earning ₹400 per day. This work allowed him to contribute to household expenses while continuing his education. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on his studies. With Asha’s support, he completed his 12th grade. His academic performance helped him secure admission to the College, where he pursued Hindi Honors.
Attending college was not easy. Every day, Suman traveled 42 kilometers to attend his classes. Since Sawda is on the outskirts of Delhi, there was no direct transportation to his college. He had to change three buses to reach his destination. Despite the long commute and financial difficulties, he managed to complete his degree in 2024. After graduation, Suman got an opportunity to join the Arth Institute, where he started learning advanced Excel, MS Word, Tally, and English-speaking skills. This opportunity has helped him improve his knowledge and prepare for better job prospects. Suman has a younger sister who is currently in 12th grade. He hopes to set a good example for her and support her as she prepares for her future.
Suman’s journey has been filled with challenges, from health issues and displacement to financial struggles. Yet, he has continued to push forward, balancing his education and family responsibilities. With his growing skills and experience, he aims to build a stable future for himself and his family. He remains connected with Asha, grateful for the support he has received over the years. As he moves forward, he hopes to make a meaningful contribution to his community and improve his family’s circumstances. He wants to work with a reputed company in the future.
