“I’m not asking you all to become Mahatma Gandhis or Martin Luther Kings, or Medha Patkars, or something like that. I’m asking you, in your limited world, can you open your minds? Can you open your hearts? Can you just encompass these people too? Because they are also a part of us. They are also part of this world. I’m asking you, for these children, whose faces you see, they’re no more. They died of AIDS last year. I’m asking you to help them, accept as human beings — not as philanthropy, not as charity, but as human beings who deserve all our support. I’m asking you this because no child, no human being, deserves what these children have gone through.” – Dr. Sunitha Krishnan, Co-Founder of Prajwala
Dr. Sunitha Krishnan’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unyielding determination. Known widely in India for her relentless fight against human trafficking, she has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless victims. Through her NGO, Prajwala, Dr. Sunitha has saved more than 17,800 lives forced into prostitution, making it the largest anti-trafficking shelter globally.
Her journey is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring. At the age of 15, Dr. Krishnan survived a brutal gang rape by eight men. Despite the unimaginable trauma, she transformed her pain into a powerful drive for change. Refusing to let this horrific incident define her life, she channeled her experiences into her lifelong mission to combat human trafficking and empower women.
Prajwala, which means "eternal flame," focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating victims of sex trafficking. The organization runs emergency shelters, children's shelters, adult shelters, and one of the largest educational and economic rehabilitation programs in the world. The primary goal is social reintegration, helping thousands of children overcome their trauma and reintegrate into society.
Dr. Sunitha’s work has garnered global recognition and numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2016. She collaborates with the government and citizen groups to provide a range of protective and rehabilitative services for survivors of human trafficking.
In an exclusive interview with The Logical Indian, Dr. Krishnan highlighted the pervasive issue of societal attitudes towards women and the commodification of their bodies. “The main problem,” she stated, “is the attitude of people. Until you stop looking at a woman’s body as something that can be bought, sex trafficking will never end. There are many issues. The main issue is the men who are willing to pay for sex, the men who are willing to satisfy their libido by paying for a child. That attitude, that bodies can be used and thrown, that attitude scares me.”
Despite facing 14 violent attacks from criminals, resulting in permanent hearing impairment in her right ear, Dr. Krishnan's resolve remains unshaken. Her extraordinary courage and commitment to justice continue to inspire many. She embodies the spirit of resilience and the power of turning personal trauma into a force for societal change.
Dr. Krishnan's vision extends beyond immediate rescue and rehabilitation. She aspires to eradicate sex trafficking entirely, a goal that drives her daily efforts. Her work with Prajwala not only provides sanctuary and support to survivors but also educates society on the importance of gender equality and the need to respect and protect every individual's dignity.
As we reflect on Dr. Sunitha Krishnan’s remarkable journey, her message is clear: open your minds and hearts, and accept all human beings with compassion and dignity. Her life's work stands as a testament to the profound impact that one determined individual can have on society. Thank you for being a gem that we could look up to!
Source / Image Credit : Speakingtree, The Logical Indian
Revathi
Fri Jul 19 2024