Pooja Sharma: The Indian Changemaker on BBC’s 100 Women List

05 DEC 2024

Pooja Sharma, founder of Bright The Soul Foundation, has earned a place on the BBC’s 100 Women of 2024, a list that recognizes inspiring women across the globe.

Pooja Sharma among BBC's 100 most inspiring women globally, 2024 (Left picture credit:BBC, Right picture credit: True Hope)

Pooja Sharma, founder of Bright The Soul Foundation, has earned a place on the BBC’s 100 Women of 2024, a list that recognizes inspiring women across the globe. At just 28, Sharma has redefined social service in India by dedicating herself to a cause that often goes unnoticed—performing dignified funeral rites for unclaimed bodies in Delhi.

Born on July 7, 1996, in Delhi, Pooja comes from a middle-class background. Her journey of resilience and empathy began with a personal tragedy in 2022, when she lost her elder brother to a brutal crime. Taking charge of his last rites after no one came forward, she broke societal barriers, donning the traditionally male role of performing Hindu funerary rituals. Over the past three years, Pooja has conducted the last rites for over 4,000 unclaimed bodies, facing resistance from religious communities and societal norms. Her determination stems from a belief that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity in death.

Picture credit: True Hope

Through Bright The Soul Foundation, Pooja has expanded her efforts beyond funeral services. The organization supports marginalized communities by providing education for abandoned children, care for the elderly, environmental welfare initiatives, and free essential supplies for those in need.

Despite her extensive work, financial challenges loom large. The foundation spends approximately ₹5,000 per body for funeral rites and requires significant resources for logistics. Pooja is currently seeking funds to purchase an ambulance worth ₹25 lakh to transport bodies respectfully and efficiently.

The BBC recognized Pooja not just for her humanitarian work but also for challenging gender roles in a deeply patriarchal society. Her name appears alongside global figures like NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and athlete Allyson Felix. Through her work, Pooja Sharma continues to inspire others, reminding the world of the importance of compassion and dignity, even in the most overlooked aspects

of life.