---
title: "Dhirendra Kumar, India"
date: 2025-04-21T07:57:00+00:00
author: admin
canonical_url: "https://globalassemblies.org/story/dhirendra-kumar-india"
section: GCA Story
---
<!\[CDATA\[YII-BLOCK-BODY-BEGIN\]\]> 
Dhirendra Kumar, India# A laborer’s fight for climate justice
[Watch his story](#videoSection) Or scroll down to read
### 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.
At the Global Assembly, I realised that if we want real change, the voices of poor people like me must be heard. If the rich and powerful truly want to fix this crisis, they need to include us in the solution.
### Legacy & future impact
Dhirendra’s story highlights the power of representation in global decision-making. Through his
participation, he has:
- **Inspired more rural workers** to learn about climate change and sustainability.
- **Advocated for just policies** that address the needs of the poor in climate action plans.
- **Committed to grassroots activism,** ensuring his village becomes part of the global movement for environmental justice.
Today, we are just a few hundred Assembly members. Tomorrow, we may be thousands, even millions. When this becomes a mass movement, the world will have to listen.
 [](#)
### Watch Dhirendra’s story
### A New era of global
governance starts here
Be part of the conversation shaping global decisions.
Help build a more inclusive future for people and the planet.
<!\[CDATA\[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END\]\]>