From child bride to women’s empowerment leader, Phoolbasan Bai Yadav shares her journey of transforming adversity into collective strength. She explains how grassroots movements and community spirit can rewrite destinies and create lasting change. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav is a Padma Shri awardee and grassroots leader who turned her journey from child bride to changemaker into a movement for over 200,000 women in Chhattisgarh. As the founder of Maa Bamleshwari Janhit Kare Samiti, she leads 12,000+ women’s self-help groups that work on health, education, sanitation, and livelihood initiatives. Her efforts have mobilized over ₹150 million in community-driven impact through micro-enterprises, social reform, and mutual support. Phoolbasan’s story is a powerful example of how determination and unity can transform entire communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx