From Selling Newspapers to National Honour: Who Is Aman Kumar of Baghpat? An Inspiring Success Story

: The journey of Aman Kumar from Tyodhi village in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district to the national stage is a powerful reflection of modern India—where determination, purpose, and sustained effort can overcome limited resources to create meaningful social change. Aman has been conferred the prestigious iVolunteer Youth Champion Award 2025, the highest national recognition in the field of youth volunteering. This honour is awarded to only one young individual across the country each year, and for the first time, it has gone to Uttar Pradesh.

A Childhood That Shaped a Vision

Aman Kumar’s early life was marked by financial hardship and social inequality. To continue his education, he sold newspapers door-to-door on a bicycle, often navigating situations close to child labour. These lived experiences raised a troubling question in his mind: Why do opportunities remain confined to only a few? This question became the turning point that shaped his life’s mission.

Despite having prospects in the IT sector, Aman chose to step away from a secure career to pursue voluntary work. The decision was risky, but he believed that unless information about opportunities reached villages and marginalised communities, inequality would persist.

Turning Problems into Solutions

This belief led to the creation of Project Contest 360, a digital initiative that provides one-click access to information on education, competitive exams, scholarships, and career opportunities. Today, the platform has reached over 8.3 million youth, particularly benefiting young people in rural and remote areas. For many, it has become not just a source of information, but a pathway to progress.

Partnering with Administration for Public Good

Aman’s contribution extends beyond the digital space. Working closely with the Baghpat district administration, he has played a key role in several e-governance innovations, including the Kanwar Yatra App, SWEEP Baghpat App, Suchna Setu, and Baghpat for Animals. These initiatives have enhanced transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in public services. District officials describe Aman as a bridge between governance and society, demonstrating how youth can actively strengthen democratic processes.

Recognition on the National Stage

After being shortlisted among the top 10 youth volunteers from across India by iVolunteer, Aman was declared the Youth Champion at a national ceremony held in Mumbai. Upon his return to Baghpat, he was felicitated by Member of Parliament Dr. Rajkumar Sangwan and District Magistrate IAS Asmita Lal, who hailed his achievements as a source of inspiration for the district’s youth.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports acknowledged his contributions at the MY Bharat headquarters in New Delhi. Recognising his expertise, Aman has also been selected as a MY Bharat Youth Mentor for Uttar Pradesh.

From a Village to the Global Discourse

Aman Kumar has been associated with global organisations such as UNICEF and UNESCO, and has represented India as a Special Youth Guest of the Government of India during the 78th and 79th Independence Day celebrations. He has previously received the Swami Vivekanand State Youth Award from the Uttar Pradesh government and participated in the Satyarthi Summer School under the guidance of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi.

A Timely Symbol of Youth Power

With the United Nations declaring 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, Aman Kumar’s national recognition carries special significance. It signals that volunteering today is not merely about service—it has become a powerful instrument of policy, governance, and sustainable development.

Aman Kumar’s story proves that when local challenges are understood deeply and addressed with innovation, rural India can lead national transformation—quietly, without spectacle, but with lasting impact.