Dhirendra Kumar, India
A laborer’s fight for climate justice
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A life of struggles and survival
Dhirendra Kumar, a daily wage laborer from Gharshan, Prayagraj,
India,
has spent his life facing economic hardship. With limited
formal
education and an unstable income, he has worked tirelessly to
provide
for his family, which includes his wife, four daughters, and
elderly
parents. His livelihood depends on irregular labor opportunities,
where
he earns around ₹250-₹500 per day, making survival a daily
challenge.
The struggle intensifies during extreme weather conditions, with
floods
destroying homes and heatwaves causing severe health issues in
his
community.
The Global Assembly experience
Dhirendra was randomly selected as one of the six participants from
different
backgrounds to be part of the Global Citizens’
Assembly. Initially, he was
apprehensive—he had never spoken in formal discussions, let
alone at an
international forum. However, through participating in climate discussions,
he
gained a deeper understanding of how industrial pollution and
environmental
policies impact marginalised communities like his
own.
At first, I thought climate change was controlled by gods. But at the Assembly, I learned that it is
the actions of big corporations and industries burning coal and diesel that are making our lives harder
Finding his voice & taking action
Through the Global Assembly, Dhirendra underwent a personal transformation:
- Overcoming Fear – Initially hesitant to speak, he gradually
gained
confidence as he interacted with fellow assembly members.
- Connecting Local to Global – He linked global climate policies to
the
struggles of rural workers, making the case that climate action
must
include solutions for the poor and marginalised.
- Raising Awareness Locally – After returning home, he
started
discussions in his village about climate change and the need
for
sustainability, using local meetings, schools, and community
gatherings
to spread awareness.
