Chanchal, from Varanasi, has transformed her own struggle for education into a powerful movement against child marriage in her community. Born into a family of agricultural laborers, her schooling was interrupted until she joined a children’s collective supported by MSEVMS, which helped her reclaim her rights and return to school. Now the first girl in her community to study beyond Class 8, she is a Class 10 student and mentor, teaching over 25 children at a British Asian Trust-supported learning center and inspiring more than 1,000 children across 50 villages.

Chanchal’s leadership extends beyond her village to state and national platforms. As “Brand Ambassador” for the Women and Child Development Department in Chandauli, she has spoken at major campaigns, including the national launch of Child Marriage Free India, and advocated directly to government leaders. Her efforts have reached thousands both online and offline, making her a strong youth voice for education and the prevention of child marriage.