Puja Sharma was named one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women in the world by the BBC. This recognition highlights her extraordinary work in performing funeral rites for over 4,000 unclaimed bodies in Delhi, India. Puja Sharma is not an actress or a writer, as some might assume, but a compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to giving dignity to those who have passed away without anyone to claim them. Her journey is a story of courage, kindness, and determination. This article explores her life in simple words, covering her early years, personal struggles, and remarkable achievements.
Early Life and Background
Puja Sharma was born on July 7, 1996, in Delhi, India. She grew up in a middle-class family. Her childhood was simple, filled with love and support from her parents and siblings. Delhi, the bustling capital of India, was her home, where she saw both the beauty and challenges of life from a young age. Puja was a curious and caring child. She always wanted to help others, even as a little girl. Her family taught her the values of kindness and respect for all people, which shaped her future.
Not much is known about her parents’ names, but they played a big role in her life. Puja had an elder brother who was very close to her. Her family lived a modest life, and Puja learned the importance of hard work early on. She went to a local school in Delhi and was an average student. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Her early years were happy, but a tragic event would soon change her life forever.
Puja Sharma BBC Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Husband, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Puja Sharma |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Delhi, India |
| Family Background | Middle-class family; parents’ names unknown; had an elder brother |
| Education | Attended a local school in Delhi; average student |
| Early Life | Grew up in Delhi; curious and caring child; learned kindness and respect |
| Major Life Event | Elder brother murdered on March 12, 2022; Puja performed his last rites |
| Occupation | Founder of Bright The Soul Foundation; performs last rites for unclaimed bodies |
| Organization Founded | Bright The Soul Foundation |
| Purpose of NGO | Perform last rites for unclaimed bodies; help marginalized communities |
| Other NGO Activities | Supports abandoned children, elderly care, education, environmental welfare |
| Key Achievement | Performed last rites for over 4,000 unclaimed bodies in three years |
| Recognition | Named one of BBC’s 100 most inspiring women on December 4, 2024 |
| Challenges Faced | Faced criticism for performing rites as a woman; broke traditional norms |
| Social Media Presence | 3.5 lakh (350,000) Instagram followers; shares stories of her work |
| Personal Qualities | Humble, kind, determined, courageous, compassionate |
| Values | Believes in equality, kindness, and dignity for all, regardless of faith |
| Support System | Family, especially parents, supported her after brother’s death |
| Future Goals | Expand NGO to other cities; inspire more people; promote equality |
| Impact | Role model for women; symbol of hope and humanity |
A Life-Changing Tragedy
On March 12, 2022, Puja faced a heartbreaking loss. Her elder brother was brutally murdered in front of her eyes during a small argument. This incident shattered her world. The pain of losing her brother was immense, and it left a deep mark on her heart. During his funeral, Puja noticed that no one stepped forward to perform his last rites. In Hindu tradition, men usually perform these rituals, but Puja decided to take on this responsibility herself. She tied a turban on her head and performed the last rites for her brother. This moment was a turning point in her life.
This tragedy gave Puja a new purpose. She realized that many people die without anyone to perform their final rites. In India, unclaimed bodies are often left without proper funerals, especially for the poor or those with no family. Puja felt a strong urge to help these souls find peace. She decided to dedicate her life to giving dignity to the departed, no matter their background or religion.
Founding Bright The Soul Foundation
Puja Sharma’s determination led her to start an NGO called Bright The Soul Foundation. This organization works for the welfare of marginalized communities. Its main goal is to inspire and empower people. Through this NGO, Puja began performing last rites for unclaimed bodies. She also focused on other causes like environmental welfare, old-age care, abandoned children, and child education. Her work was not just about funerals; it was about spreading hope and kindness.
Bright The Soul Foundation became a platform for Puja to reach out to those in need. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every person, even in death, was treated with respect. Her NGO helped many families who could not afford proper funerals. Puja’s efforts showed that one person’s kindness could make a big difference in the world.
Breaking Tradition and Facing Challenges
In India, performing funeral rites is traditionally a male role in the Hindu faith. When Puja began this work, she faced resistance from priests and some community members. Many people criticized her for stepping into a role meant for men. They questioned her actions and made her work harder. But Puja did not give up. She believed that everyone deserves dignity in death, regardless of who performs the rites.
Puja performed funerals for people from different religions, not just Hindus. She gave respect to every faith, showing that humanity comes first. Her courage to challenge tradition made her a role model for many women. She faced harsh words and judgment, but her determination kept her going. Over the past three years, she has performed last rites for over 4,000 unclaimed bodies. Each funeral was a step toward breaking stereotypes and spreading compassion.
Recognition by the BBC
Puja’s work did not go unnoticed. On December 4, 2024, the BBC included her in its list of 100 inspiring and influential women worldwide. This was a huge honor for Puja and her NGO. The BBC praised her for her resilience and dedication. Her name appeared alongside global figures like NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and actor Sharon Stone. The recognition brought attention to her cause and inspired others to support her work.
The BBC noted that 2024 was a tough year for many women, but Puja’s efforts stood out. Her work also highlighted the importance of addressing the climate crisis, as her NGO works on environmental welfare. This global recognition gave Puja a bigger platform to share her message of kindness and equality.
Social Media and Public Support
Puja Sharma uses social media to share her work and inspire others. She has close to 3.5 lakh followers on Instagram. Through her posts, she shows the importance of giving dignity to the departed. She shares stories of the people she helps and the challenges she faces. Her followers admire her courage and support her cause. Social media has helped Puja spread her message to a wider audience, encouraging others to join her mission.
Her posts often show the reality of her work. She shares pictures and videos of funerals, explaining why her work matters. Many people leave positive comments, praising her for her bravery. Her social media presence has made her a well-known figure in Delhi and beyond. It has also helped her raise funds for her NGO and connect with other organizations.
Personal Qualities and Values
Puja Sharma is a simple and humble person. Despite her global recognition, she remains grounded. She believes in the power of kindness and equality. Her work shows that she cares deeply about people, especially those who are forgotten by society. Puja is also a strong woman who does not let challenges stop her. She faces criticism with a smile and continues her work with passion.
Her family has been her biggest support. After losing her brother, Puja became even closer to her parents. They encouraged her to follow her heart and start her NGO. Puja’s love for her family and her brother’s memory drives her to keep going. She often says that her brother’s spirit guides her in her work.
Other Contributions
Apart from performing last rites, Puja’s NGO works on many other causes. Bright The Soul Foundation helps abandoned children by providing them with education and care. It also supports elderly people who have no one to look after them. Puja’s love for the environment is seen in her NGO’s efforts to plant trees and clean up public spaces. Her work touches many lives, from children to the elderly, and even the planet.
Puja’s ability to work on multiple causes shows her dedication. She manages her time well and ensures that every project gets attention. Her NGO has become a symbol of hope for many people in Delhi. Puja’s vision is to create a world where everyone is treated with respect, whether in life or death.
Future Goals
Puja Sharma has big dreams for the future. She wants to expand her NGO’s work to other cities in India. She hopes to inspire more people to join her cause. Puja also plans to work with schools to teach children about kindness and equality. She believes that young minds can change the world if given the right values.
Puja wants to continue breaking stereotypes. She hopes to see more women taking up roles traditionally meant for men. Her work is a message to society that anyone can make a difference, no matter their gender or background. Puja’s journey is far from over, and she is determined to keep helping those in need.
Conclusion
Puja Sharma’s life is a story of courage and compassion. Born in Delhi on July 7, 1996, she faced a tragic loss that changed her life. Instead of giving in to sorrow, she turned her pain into purpose. Through her NGO, Bright The Soul Foundation, she has performed last rites for over 4,000 unclaimed bodies. Her work challenges traditions and gives dignity to the forgotten. Recognized by the BBC in 2024, Puja is an inspiration to millions. Her story teaches us that one person’s kindness can light up the world. Puja Sharma is not just a name; she is a symbol of hope, equality, and humanity.