Born: 1972 (Bangalore, India)
Biography:
Sunitha Krishnan (born 1972) is an Indian social activist and chief functionary and co-founder of Prajwala, a non-governmental organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and reintegrates sex-trafficked victims into society. She is a prominent figure in India’s fight against human trafficking and has dedicated her life to bringing justice and restoring dignity to the victims of this heinous crime.
Born in Bangalore to Palakkad Malayali parents, Raju Krishnan and Nalini Krishnan, Sunitha Krishnan had an early exposure to different parts of the country as her father worked with the Department of Survey, which makes maps for the entire country. It was during her formative years that Sunitha’s passion for social work began to take shape. At the age of eight, she started teaching dance to mentally challenged children and, by the age of twelve, she was already running schools in slums for underprivileged children. Her commitment to education and empowering marginalized communities was evident from a young age.
However, tragedy struck when Sunitha Krishnan was just fifteen years old. While working on a neo-literacy campaign for the Dalit community, she was brutally gang-raped by eight men. This horrific incident, fueled by patriarchal norms and a desire to silence women’s voices, only strengthened her resolve to fight against the exploitation of women and children. Despite sustaining permanent hearing loss in one ear due to the attack, Sunitha emerged as a survivor and a fierce advocate for victims of sexual violence.
Sunitha Krishnan completed her education in Central Government Schools in Bangalore and Bhutan. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from St. Joseph’s College in Bangalore before earning her MSW (medical & psychiatric) from Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore. Equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the social issues that plagued her country, she decided to move to Hyderabad and joined the Prajwala Integrated Network (PIN) as the Coordinator for the program for young women.
In Hyderabad, Sunitha Krishnan encountered the dire housing problems faced by slum dwellers. When the homes of those living by the city’s Musi River were threatened with demolition for a beautification project, she joined the housing rights campaign of PIN. Through protests and advocacy, she managed to stall the scheme and protect the homes and livelihoods of numerous marginalized communities.
It was in Hyderabad that Sunitha met Brother Jose Vetticatil, the Director of Boys’ Town, a Catholic Institution run by the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel. The institution rehabilitated and trained at-risk young people, providing them with vocational skills that opened doors to better opportunities in India and abroad. Inspired by this model of empowerment, Sunitha joined forces with Brother Jose Vetticatil to establish Prajwala in 1996.
Prajwala was born out of the urgent need to rescue and support sex workers who were left homeless after the evacuation of Mehboob ki Mehandi, a red-light area in Hyderabad. Sunitha Krishnan and Brother Jose Vetticatil started a transition school at the vacated brothel to prevent the second generation from being trafficked. In the early years of Prajwala, Sunitha had to make significant sacrifices, including selling her jewelry and household utensils, to sustain the organization financially.
Today, Prajwala stands on five pillars: prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and advocacy. The organization provides comprehensive support to victims of sex trafficking, offering moral, financial, legal, and social assistance. Prajwala’s holistic approach has been instrumental in rescuing thousands of women and children from the clutches of exploitation and helping them rebuild their lives.
Sunitha Krishnan’s unwavering dedication to the cause of human rights has garnered widespread recognition and admiration. In 2016, she was honored with India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, for her extraordinary contributions to society. Her work has not only brought justice and rehabilitation to countless survivors but has also sparked a nationwide conversation about the urgent need to address the issue of human trafficking.
Sunitha Krishnan continues to inspire and motivate individuals and organizations alike to join the fight against human trafficking. Through her tireless efforts, she has not only impacted the lives of survivors but has also influenced societal attitudes towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. Her courageous journey from victim to advocate serves as a powerful reminder that one person’s determination can bring about significant change and reshape women’s history.
Awards:
– Padma Shri in 2016