“This is Not a Marriage, It’s a Deal of My Life”: Aarti from Ayodhya Rescued from Child Marriage

New Delhi: Fourteen-year-old Aarti (name changed) from Ayodhya was being forced by her relatives to marry a much older man. Orphaned at a young age, Aarti wrote a heartfelt letter saying, “I want to study and fulfill my dreams, but my family is forcing me into marriage. This is not a marriage, it’s a deal of my life.”The letter reached the non-profit organization Aprajita Samajik Samiti, which immediately took action with the help of Childline and local authorities. The team rescued Aarti from her home and brought her to a girls’ shelter in Lucknow, where she now has access to education and safety.

Kiran Bais, director of the organization, emphasized that stopping child marriage requires not only laws but a change in societal mindset. Aarti’s courage has become an inspiration for thousands of girls, showing that raising one’s voice in time can save dreams.