Dr. Kriti Bharti Honoured with International Women of Courage Award 2025

Jodhpur: Renowned rehabilitation psychologist and Managing Trustee of Saarthi Trust, Dr. Kriti Bharti, has been conferred with the prestigious International Women of Courage Award 2025 for her courageous and pioneering efforts in annulment and prevention of child marriages and protection of women and children.

The award was presented on International Human Rights Day during the 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards 2025, held at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The ceremony was organized with the participation of the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS) along with nearly 250 national and international organizations. Eminent social activists and global changemakers from across the world were honoured at the event.

Among all Indian recipients, Dr. Kriti Bharti was the sole awardee to receive this highest honour, marking a proud moment for the country. The jury recognized her fearless, impactful and sustained mission against child marriage, which has transformed countless lives and set historic precedents in India.

Dr. Kriti Bharti is already an internationally acclaimed human rights advocate. She has previously been honoured with the Human Rights Award 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland, and has received recognitions in London and Colombo for her exceptional social work.

The International Women of Courage Award 2025 was bestowed upon Dr. Kriti, who has also been featured in the BBC 100 Most Inspiring Women list. Other distinguished awardees at the summit included Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of the Udaipur royal family (Global Cultural Heritage Philanthropy Award), noted oncologist Dr. Meenu Walia, Dr. Lamia (USA), a President’s Award-winning differently-abled athlete, and several other global personalities across various categories.

The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries including AICHLS Chairman and Supreme Court Advocate Anthony Raju, Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, Major General Dr. Rajan Kochar, IAS Dr. N.C. Wadhwa, and other eminent leaders from the fields of law, defence and social justice.

52 Child Marriages Annulled, Over 2,200 Prevented

Dr. Kriti Bharti holds the distinction of initiating India’s first legally annulled child marriage, a landmark achievement in the fight against this social evil. To date, she has successfully annulled 52 child marriages and prevented more than 2,200 child marriages through grassroots intervention, legal advocacy and community rehabilitation.

Her work has been acknowledged globally, earning her a place in USA-based Trafficked Magazine’s World Top Ten Activists list. The impact of her mission has been recorded in nine national and international records, and the CBSE Board has incorporated her campaign as a case study in its academic curriculum.

Dr. Kriti Bharti has also been honoured with several prestigious recognitions including the Marwar Ratna and Mewar Ratna, reaffirming her position as one of India’s most courageous and influential voices against child marriage.

This global honour once again highlights India’s leadership in grassroots human rights activism and celebrates Dr. Kriti Bharti’s unwavering courage, compassion and commitment to social justice.