Born: around 1975
Biography:
Soni Sori is an Adivasi school teacher turned political leader of Aam Aadmi Party in Sameli village of Dantewada in south Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India. Born around 1975, Sori hails from a politically active family. Her father, Munda Ram, was a former Indian National Congress leader who served as the sarpanch (elected village headman) of Bade Bedma village for over a decade. Sori’s brother Sukhdev and his wife were also elected to the panchayat (village council) as Congress representatives, and two of her uncles served as Congress MLAs. Additionally, her cousin Amrita Sori holds the position of Deputy Superintendent of Police in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district.
Coming from a family with significant political involvement, Sori was exposed to the complexities of governance and social issues from an early age. Her family owned large tracts of land in Dantewada district, but in the 2010s, the Naxals forbade them from cultivating their land. Moreover, Sori’s father served as an informant against the Naxals, resulting in their house being looted and her father being shot in the leg by the Naxals in June 2011. He received compensation of Rs. 80,000 for the attack. Tragically, Sori’s mother, a housewife, passed away in 2012.
Soni Sori initially pursued a career in nursing, attending a nursing college. However, she dropped out to work as a warden of a girls’ residential school in the Jabeli village. She married Anil Futane, and the couple lived in Sameli village with their three children before their arrests.
Sori’s life took a drastic turn when she was arrested by the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch for Chhattisgarh Police in 2011. She was charged with acting as a conduit for Maoists. Sadly, during her time in prison, Sori endured torture and sexual assault at the hands of the Chhattisgarh state police. Despite the ordeal, Sori’s resilience and determination remained unbroken.
By April 2013, the Indian Courts had acquitted Sori in six of the eight cases filed against her due to a lack of evidence. After her release from prison, Sori embarked on a mission to fight for the rights of those affected by the conflict between Maoist insurgents and the government, particularly addressing police violence against tribespeople in the region. Her courage and determination to speak out against injustice earned her widespread admiration and support.
Sori’s political journey continued as she became a member of the Aam Aadmi Party and contested the 2014 general elections from Bastar on their ticket. However, she lost to Dinesh Kashyap of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite the setback, Sori’s dedication to her cause never wavered.
In 2018, Soni Sori received the prestigious Front Line Defenders award for her unwavering commitment to defending human rights. The award recognized her courage and her invaluable contribution to the fight for justice and equality in the face of immense hardships.
Soni Sori’s life is a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice and equity. By fearlessly challenging oppressive systems and standing up for the rights of marginalized communities, she has become an inspiration and an emblem of hope for countless individuals. Her unwavering determination to bring about positive change has not only made her a prominent figure in women’s history but has also resonated far beyond the borders of India. Soni Sori’s legacy continues to inspire the fight against injustice and serves as a reminder that the power to effect change lies within each and every individual.
Awards:
– 2018 Front Line Defenders Award.