Shruti Nagvanshi is a renowned Indian activist dedicated to advocating for the rights of women, children, and marginalized communities, including the Dalit caste. As one of the founding members of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and the founder of Savitri Bai Phule Mahila Panchayat, she has played a pivotal role in empowering minorities across India. Her work focuses on promoting social justice, equality, and access to essential services for the most vulnerable.
Early Life and Personal Journey
Born on January 2, 1974, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shruti Nagvanshi was inspired by her mother's encouragement towards education. Despite numerous challenges, she pursued her studies and later married Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi in 1992. Together, they founded PVCHR in 1996, along with historian Mahendra Pratap, musician Vikash Maharaj, and poet Gyanedra Pati. Both Shruti and Lenin are converts to Buddhism, embracing its principles of equality and social justice.
Advocacy and Anti-Caste Work
Shruti has dedicated her life to challenging the deeply entrenched caste system in India. Through PVCHR, she works towards reconciliation between marginalized and privileged communities by raising awareness of individual rights and the rule of law. Her efforts have led to significant improvements in health, education, and livelihood services in her intervention areas, bringing structural changes that uplift the marginalized.
Championing Children's Right to Survival
In 2017, Shruti and her team at JanMitra Nyas focused on improving children's health in 50 villages and slums in Varanasi's most marginalized communities. Supported by Child Rights and You (CRY), their work resulted in a decline in maternal, neonatal, and malnourished deaths, showcasing the impact of grassroots initiatives on public health.
Recognition and Awards
Shruti Nagvanshi's relentless activism has earned her numerous national and international accolades, including the Rex Karmveer Chakra (silver) in 2019, the Top 100 Women Achievers of India in 2016, and the Public Peace Prize in 2020-21. Her work has been recognized by prominent figures such as film actor Aamir Khan, and she has been featured in various media outlets for her contributions to social justice and human rights.
In 2024, Shruti received the prestigious Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award for her leadership at JanMitra Nyas, an NGO committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level. Her tireless efforts have also been acknowledged at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women at the UN Headquarters, where she was featured in the collaborative effort "Hum: When Women Lead," a coffee table book showcasing Indian women's transformative leadership.
Literary Contributions and Global Impact
Shruti Nagvanshi is also a prolific writer, contributing articles to newsletters and online platforms. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Archana Kaushik, is titled Margins to Centre Stage: Empowering Dalits in India. In 2023, Shruti played a key role at the G20 Interfaith Summit, sharing her insights on child protection, interfaith collaboration, and Sustainable Development Goals. Her participation in this global forum highlighted her dedication to driving positive change on an international scale.
Shruti Nagvanshi continues to inspire and lead by example, advocating for the rights of those who have been historically marginalized and ensuring that their voices are heard.
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