Dr. Sunitha Krishnan is a renowned Indian social activist tirelessly combating human trafficking. Her dedication to aiding rape survivors and their children in rehabilitation has earned her widespread recognition.

Wiki/Biography

Born on Friday, May 23, 1969, in Mumbai, Dr. Sunitha Krishnan’s zodiac sign is Gemini. She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya Waltair in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Furthering her education, she earned a Master of Social Work and a PhD from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore, and Yenepoya University, Mangalore, respectively.

Family, Caste & Husband

Hailing from a Palakkad Malayali family, her father, Raju Krishnan, worked in the Department of Survey, India, and her mother’s name is Nalini Krishnan. She is married to Indian film director Rajesh Touchriver.

Career

Her commitment to social welfare began early. At eight, she started dance classes for children with mental disabilities. Four years later, she founded a small school for slum children. A pivotal event at 15, during a neo-literacy camp for the Dalit community, where she was brutally assaulted, profoundly impacted her life. This experience fueled her dedication to supporting women, particularly rape survivors in India.

Facing parental disapproval of her chosen path, she moved to Hyderabad and joined the People’s Initiative Network (PIN), founded by Brother Varghese Theckanath, a fellow social activist. In 1996, she played a key role in helping prostitutes leave Mehboob ki Mehandi, a red-light area in Hyderabad, providing them with employment and establishing a school within the former brothel – Prajwala.

Prajwala, based on five core principles – Prevention, Protection, Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration – has aided over 12,000 victims of prostitution. The organization provides survivors with vocational training in various fields, including carpentry, welding, printing, masonry, and housekeeping, and also supports the education of their children.

Her contributions extend beyond direct aid. In 2003, she formulated recommendations for the rehabilitation of human trafficking victims, which were adopted by the Andhra Pradesh government. Her 2009 TED India talk on human trafficking went viral. She served as an advisor for the Kerala government in drafting the Nirbhaya Policy for Women and Children, though she initially resigned due to dissatisfaction but was later reappointed with greater authority.

She actively organizes national and international seminars on human trafficking awareness. Her appearance on Aamir Khan’s Star Plus show, Satyamev Jayate, highlighted Prajwala’s work. Along with her husband, she has produced documentaries and books on human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, child marriage, incest, and prostitution. She also participated in drafting India’s new rape bill and collaborated with the Crises Counseling Centre in Hyderabad to combat human trafficking.

Controversies

Her “#ShameTheRapist” campaign, which involved sharing rape videos on WhatsApp, faced criticism from some segments of society.

Awards & Honours

Dr. Sunitha Krishnan’s remarkable work has garnered numerous accolades:

This list is not exhaustive; she has received many more honors.

Address

20-4-34, III Floor, Behind Charminar Bus Stand, Charminar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Facts/Trivia

• Born with a disability affecting her legs, she overcame it through physiotherapy.
• In Prajwala’s early days, she faced financial difficulties, selling personal belongings to sustain the organization.
• She co-produced the film Anamika, included in the National Police Academy curriculum, and Naa Bangaaru Talli, a three-time National Award winner.
• Following the #ShameTheRapist campaign, she successfully crowdfunded over $225,000 to relocate her Economic Rehabilitation Unit.
• In 2019, she and her husband appeared on the Indian game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.