Age 9

Mariya is the youngest of 6 children. Her family lives in a small dingy shack in Bhiwandi. Mariya's father died of heart disease when she was 3 years old, forcing Mariya's siblings and her sickly mother to do beadwork, earning only enough money to buy one meal a day; the family survives by asking for food from their neighbors. The income of the family is almost zero, and all 7 children in the family are at high risk of being trafficked or abused, as the mother is in a desperate situation.

Mariya does all the household work, including cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her brothers, because of her mother's deteriorating health. Mariya joined Udaan and is determined to educate herself to support her family. Mariya needs a sponsor to help provide for her; this will help lift her and her family from their cycle of poverty.