Sunitha Krishnan

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Sunitha Krishnan is an Indian social activist and co-founder of the non-governmental organization Prajwala, which is dedicated to eradicating forced prostitution and sex trafficking. Born in 1972 in Bangalore, Karnataka, Krishnan has been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking in India, advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of sex trafficking victims.

Early Life and Education

Sunitha Krishnan was born into a Malayali family. From a young age, she was exposed to social issues and activism, which played a significant role in shaping her future endeavors. Krishnan pursued her education in social work, earning a degree that equipped her with the knowledge and skills to address societal challenges.

Career

Krishnan's career in social activism began in the early 1990s. Her work primarily focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating victims of sex trafficking and forced prostitution back into society. In 1996, along with her colleague Brother Jose Vetticatil, she co-founded Prajwala, an institution that has grown to become one of the most influential anti-trafficking organizations in India.

Prajwala operates on a five-pillar approach to combat sex trafficking: prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and advocacy. The organization runs several shelters for victims and provides education, vocational training, and mental health support to help them rebuild their lives.

Advocacy and Recognition

Krishnan's work has not only provided direct support to thousands of victims but has also raised awareness about the issues of sex trafficking and forced prostitution on both a national and international level. She has been a vocal advocate for policy changes and has worked closely with the Indian government and international bodies to improve the legal framework and support systems for trafficking victims.

Her efforts have been recognized globally. Sunitha Krishnan has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2016 for her contributions to social work.

Challenges

Throughout her career, Krishnan has faced numerous challenges, including threats to her life and physical assaults. Despite these obstacles, she has remained steadfast in her mission to eradicate sex trafficking and support its victims.

Legacy and Impact

Sunitha Krishnan's work has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of individuals and has brought significant attention to the issues of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in India. Her relentless pursuit of justice and rehabilitation for victims has inspired many others to join the fight against trafficking and has paved the way for a more comprehensive approach to addressing this global issue.