Mother Theresa of Chicago

She is the embodiment of compassion. She is the one who always stands by the people in need. And that is why, she is popularly known as “Mother Teresa of Chicago.” She is Ms. Santosh Kulshrestha Kumar, the poplar voice of hapless immigrant population of Illinois.

It has been an eventful journey for Indian-American Ms. Santosh Kulshrestha Kumar for over decades. And now, after being recently included in America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals for her exceptional contributions and achievements in the field of community services, Ms Kumar is all smiles. Smiles of satisfaction.

Undeterred by several hurdles, Ms Kumar has been extending yeomen service to the Indian-American community in Chicago, Illinois since 1985, when she migrated to the USA with her husband.

Years ago, when she set out on a journey to make a difference in the lives of the poor, needy and elderly, she was unwavering. What she initiated with a small group of people and a little resources, is now a growing organization (Metropolitan Asian Family Services) with eight facilities for seniors, and full spectrum of services with a pool of hardworking individuals lending a helping hand to the community.

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It was something unusual for Science graduates to opt for Law for higher studies, but when she was graduated in Bachelor of Science (BSC) in 1969, Ms. Kumar decided to pursue Law. She completed LL.B honors in 1972 and LL.M in 1974 from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ms. Kumar was born to Shambu Dayal Kulshrestha and Satyawati  Kulshrestha in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, in 1949. Growing up watching the atrocities meted out on the lesser fortunate, Ms. Kumar got a sense of social justice and perhaps that was what later prompted her to pursue legal studies.
After four decades of her untiring services to those who are in distress, Ms. Kumar’s life and works in India and the USA make her a living legend. At the young age of 22, in 1972, Ms. Kumar was practicing law in the Aligarh Session’s Court as a Criminal Defense Lawyer. She continued to sport the advocate’s gown from 1972 to 1977, while simultaneously working as a Professor in Law in VS Law College Aligarh.
In 1978 she joined Jaipur University, Rajasthan and worked as a professor till 1985 and practiced law concurrently.
While she was busy practicing and teaching law, she found enough time to fight for the rights of children and women of Rajasthan.
In 1985 Ms. Kumar migrated to the USA with her husband. She is today a counselor, attorney, professor, community leader and businesswoman in the Chicagoland area.

Ms. Kumar decided to dedicate her life to those who do not have a voice. It may be recalled that she was instrumental in making many major breakthroughs in the Indian Judicial system.  Due to her strong advocacy, the government of India has passed Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (order for maintenance of wives, children and parents.). Ms. Kumar gave a voice to the voiceless and fought for Indian women who were harassed by their partners, parents or in-laws and continues to support the South- Asian community in Chicago, Illinois with her work with Metropolitan Asian Family (MAFS).