Usha Chaumar is a remarkable social worker from Alwar, Rajasthan, whose journey from manual scavenger to Padma Shri awardee embodies resilience and transformation. Born into a Dalit Valmiki family, Usha began manual scavenging at the age of seven, a practice she continued for years due to societal constraints. Married at 10 and relocated to Alwar at 14, she faced severe social ostracism and discrimination.
Today, Usha Chaumar serves as the President of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (SISSO), the non-profit arm of Sulabh International. Her work focuses on eradicating manual scavenging, promoting sanitation, and empowering women through skill development. Usha's transformation from a marginalized manual scavenger to a respected leader and social reformer is a testament to the power of education, skill development, and unwavering determination.