Lenin Raghuvanshi of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) said: "This is the machinery of modern citizenship in India, where belonging is a privilege that must be constantly proven, not a right that is guaranteed."
Link: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/the-price-of-proof-one-mans-struggle-to-prove-he-is-indian
I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the peer reviewers in the Editorial Report and Acknowledgement of Reviewers, 2025 published by the Journal of Social and Political Psychology (JSPP). This acknowledgment is more than a personal milestone; it is a reminder of the collective responsibility scholars share in advancing rigorous, ethical, and socially relevant research.
In an era where societies face increasing polarization, inequality, and challenges to democratic values, high-quality academic research plays a critical role in shaping informed public discourse and evidence-based policymaking. Serving as a peer reviewer is one way of contributing to this shared mission.
Peer review is often described as the backbone of scholarly publishing. Before research reaches readers, policymakers, practitioners, and educators, it undergoes careful evaluation by independent experts who assess its methodological rigor, originality, ethical standards, and contribution to existing knowledge.
This process helps ensure that published research is:
While peer reviewers usually work behind the scenes without public recognition, their contribution is fundamental to maintaining the credibility and integrity of academic scholarship.
Throughout my journey with the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), I have believed that meaningful social transformation requires both grassroots experience and scientific evidence. Human rights work and academic research should complement one another.
Field experiences provide researchers with insights into lived realities, while rigorous research helps practitioners design more effective interventions and influence policy. This interaction between practice and scholarship strengthens both domains.
As someone working with marginalized communities, survivors of torture, victims of caste discrimination, women, children, and vulnerable populations, reviewing research in social and political psychology offers an opportunity to contribute practical perspectives to academic discussions while learning from innovative research conducted across the world.
The Journal of Social and Political Psychology (JSPP) publishes interdisciplinary research examining human behaviour, prejudice, identity, discrimination, social justice, political participation, collective action, peacebuilding, and democratic governance.
These themes closely resonate with the work of PVCHR and many civil society organizations working to strengthen human rights and social inclusion.
Understanding why prejudice develops, how discrimination becomes institutionalized, or how communities build resilience is essential for designing interventions that promote equality and peaceful coexistence.
Research in social and political psychology therefore has implications far beyond universities. It informs education, public policy, conflict resolution, community development, and human rights advocacy.
Peer review is largely a voluntary responsibility.
It is an act of academic service undertaken with the understanding that knowledge advances through collaboration, critical dialogue, and constructive feedback.
Every thoughtful review helps authors refine their work, strengthens the quality of published research, and ultimately benefits society by ensuring that reliable evidence informs decision-making.
In this sense, peer review represents a form of public service.
It contributes to stronger institutions, better policies, and more informed democratic societies.
I sincerely thank the Editors of the Journal of Social and Political Psychology for this recognition and for the opportunity to contribute as a reviewer.
I am equally grateful to colleagues, researchers, and practitioners worldwide whose work continues to inspire dialogue across disciplines and cultures.
This acknowledgment strengthens my commitment to promoting research that advances human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democratic values.
Today's global challenges—including inequality, hate speech, conflict, discrimination, climate injustice, and threats to democracy—cannot be addressed through activism or research alone.
They require meaningful collaboration between scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and communities.
As both a human rights defender and a researcher, I remain committed to supporting evidence-based scholarship that contributes to more inclusive societies and strengthens the foundations of justice, peace, and human rights.
Every rigorous study reviewed, every constructive comment shared, and every improved manuscript published contributes to a broader goal: building societies where knowledge serves humanity and research becomes a catalyst for positive social change.
Journal of Social and Political Psychology (JSPP). (2025). Editorial Report and Acknowledgement of Reviewers, 2025. Available at: https://jspp.psychopen.eu/index.php/jspp/article/download/22751/22751.html
"Research is not merely the pursuit of knowledge; it is a responsibility to ensure that knowledge contributes to justice, dignity, and a better future for all."
"Hate is like a disease. If a person is suffering from disease, the doctor never kills the person. They help the person to heal and eliminate the disease."
I was deeply honoured to see this reflection featured by the Global Centre for Pluralism as part of its campaign marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The campaign brought together members of the Global Pluralism Award community to share how they respond to hate speech in their work and everyday lives. It reminded us that confronting hate requires not only courage, but also wisdom, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. Please vist : https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ-inDVlppV/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
The message I shared was simple:
"Hate is like a disease. If a person is suffering from disease, the doctor never kills the person. They help the person to heal and eliminate the disease."
This analogy reflects the philosophy that has guided my work through the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) for more than two decades.
Hate speech certainly causes harm. It humiliates individuals, divides communities, normalizes discrimination, and can eventually lead to violence. Every democratic society has a responsibility to challenge it firmly.
However, if we only react to hateful words without understanding why they emerge, we address the symptom while leaving the disease untreated.
Hatred rarely appears in isolation. It often grows from fear, misinformation, prejudice, historical injustice, economic insecurity, political manipulation, and the systematic dehumanization of others. If we fail to address these underlying conditions, hatred simply reappears in new forms.
Just as a physician seeks the cause of illness before prescribing treatment, societies must seek the roots of hatred rather than merely punishing its visible expressions.
Working with survivors of caste discrimination, communal violence, torture, and social exclusion has taught me an important lesson:
People should always be held accountable for harmful actions, but they should never be stripped of their humanity.
Human rights are universal precisely because they recognize the dignity of every person—even those with whom we profoundly disagree.
This does not mean tolerating discrimination or remaining silent in the face of injustice. On the contrary, it requires us to oppose hatred while refusing to become hateful ourselves.
When we dehumanize those who spread hate, we risk reproducing the same cycle we seek to end.
At PVCHR, we have learned that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through fear alone.
Many conflicts rooted in caste, religion, ethnicity, or identity have found lasting solutions through:
Restorative approaches do not replace justice. They strengthen it by addressing both the harm and its underlying causes.
Healing communities requires changing hearts as well as institutions.
Pluralism is not simply living side by side.
It means recognizing diversity as a source of collective strength.
It requires listening before judging, understanding before condemning, and protecting the dignity of every individual regardless of caste, religion, gender, ethnicity, or social background.
This vision is deeply aligned with the values of the Global Centre for Pluralism, which continues to create spaces where leaders from around the world exchange experiences and practical approaches to building inclusive societies.
I am grateful that my reflections were included in this important global conversation.
One of the most effective ways to counter hate speech is through education.
Education develops critical thinking.
It teaches empathy.
It encourages constitutional values.
It enables young people to question stereotypes rather than inherit them.
When education is combined with dialogue and community engagement, it becomes one of the strongest safeguards against extremism and polarization.
Every generation faces a choice.
We can respond to hatred with more hatred.
Or we can respond with justice, compassion, and courage.
Healing hate does not mean ignoring injustice.
It means refusing to allow hatred to define our response.
As Mahatma Gandhi reminded us, lasting peace cannot be built through revenge but through the transformation of relationships and the recognition of our shared humanity.
Today, more than ever, our societies need dialogue instead of polarization, empathy instead of prejudice, and pluralism instead of exclusion.
Because the goal is not merely to silence hate.
The goal is to heal the conditions that allow hate to grow.
Human rights are often discussed in the context of laws, policies, and constitutional guarantees. But at their core, human rights are about something much deeper—human dignity, equality, and the belief that every person deserves to live with respect and freedom.
In a powerful conversation with Aarti B. R. Singh, renowned human rights activist Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi shared his inspiring journey of standing against injustice, empowering marginalized communities, and creating meaningful social change across India. His story is a testament to how one determined voice can spark transformation in the lives of thousands.
For decades, Lenin Raghuvanshi has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of those who are often unheard and overlooked. His work emerged from witnessing the harsh realities of caste discrimination, bonded labor, social exclusion, and systemic inequality.
Rather than accepting these injustices as inevitable, he chose to challenge them. This commitment eventually led to the establishment of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), an organization focused on restoring dignity, justice, and opportunity to marginalized communities.
His journey demonstrates that social change begins when ordinary people decide that injustice should not be tolerated.
Working for human rights is rarely easy. Throughout his journey, Lenin faced numerous obstacles, including social resistance, deeply rooted prejudices, and opposition from powerful interests benefiting from inequality.
Many communities had lost faith in institutions and struggled to believe that change was possible. Convincing people to stand up for their rights often required patience, trust-building, and long-term engagement.
Despite these challenges, Lenin emphasized that persistence, dialogue, and community participation are essential tools for overcoming barriers and achieving lasting impact.
One of the key lessons from Lenin's work is that awareness is empowerment.
Many individuals facing discrimination or exploitation are often unaware of their legal rights and available support systems. Through grassroots education, community meetings, and advocacy campaigns, PVCHR has helped people understand their rights and gain confidence in raising their voices.
When people become aware of their rights, they become active participants in shaping their futures rather than passive victims of injustice.
A significant part of the discussion focused on gender equality and women's rights.
Lenin highlighted that true social progress cannot be achieved without ensuring equal opportunities for women. While society has made considerable progress, many women continue to face discrimination, violence, and unequal access to education and employment.
Achieving gender equality requires collective effort—from families, educational institutions, communities, and policymakers. More importantly, it requires changing mindsets and challenging stereotypes that limit women's potential.
Empowering women ultimately strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole.
Social change cannot be imposed from the outside. It must be built with the participation of the people it seeks to serve.
One of the reasons PVCHR has earned credibility over the years is its consistent presence within communities. By listening to people's concerns, respecting local experiences, and working collaboratively, the organization has fostered trust and long-term engagement.
This community-centered approach ensures that solutions are sustainable and responsive to real needs.
Although many challenges remain, Lenin expressed optimism about the progress that has been achieved.
Greater awareness of human rights, increased participation by marginalized groups, and stronger community networks are creating new opportunities for social transformation. More people today are willing to challenge discrimination and advocate for justice than ever before.
These positive developments demonstrate that change, while gradual, is possible when individuals and communities work together.
One of the central messages of the conversation was that meaningful change requires collective action.
Governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and citizens all have a role to play in building a more equitable society. Human rights should not be viewed as the responsibility of activists alone—they are a shared responsibility.
Every act of empathy, advocacy, and support contributes to creating a society where dignity and justice are accessible to all.
The work of PVCHR offers a powerful example of how grassroots initiatives can create lasting impact. Through advocacy, education, rehabilitation, and community empowerment, the organization has helped countless individuals reclaim their rights and rebuild their lives.
Its success demonstrates that sustainable social change is possible when efforts are rooted in compassion, participation, and respect for human dignity.
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi's journey reminds us that social transformation begins with awareness and action. Whether through supporting marginalized communities, promoting gender equality, raising awareness, or standing against discrimination, every individual has the power to contribute to positive change.
Human rights are not abstract concepts reserved for legal documents. They are lived realities that affect people's daily lives.
When we choose dignity over discrimination, equality over exclusion, and justice over silence, we help create a future where every voice matters.
The conversation with Lenin Raghuvanshi is more than a discussion about human rights—it is a story of resilience, courage, and hope. It highlights the extraordinary impact that committed individuals and empowered communities can have in shaping a more just and inclusive society.
His work serves as a reminder that real change starts when people refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice and choose instead to become voices for those who cannot be heard.
Because when dignity is protected and rights are respected, entire communities can move from oppression to hope.
#LeninRaghuvanshi #HumanRights #SocialJustice #PVCHR #HumanRightsActivist #VoicesOfTheVoiceless #SocialChange #CommunityEmpowerment #Equality #JusticeForAll #DignityForAll #WomenRights #GrassrootsLeadership #ChangeMakers #SocialImpact #HumanDignity #InclusiveSociety #CasteDiscrimination #BondedLabour #RightsAndJustice #India #Podcast #AartiBRSingh #Inspiration #VoicesOfChange #Empowerment #Leadership #CommunityDevelopment #HopeAndChange #JusticeAndEquality
My latest OP-ED explores how Bhagwan Jagannath, Kashi, Muslim devotees like Salabega, and the shared traditions of Banaras together represent India’s deepest civilizational truth: coexistence.
From Muslim weavers creating Banarasi sarees for Hindu rituals to the immortal devotion of Salabega, this story reminds us that India’s civilization was built through shared participation, compassion, and cultural dialogue — not exclusion.
The article also reflects on the restoration of the historic Jagannath Temple in Kashi through the initiative associated with former MLC Brijesh Singh, viewed by many as an effort toward cultural stewardship and preservation of sacred heritage rooted in inclusiveness and collective memory.
It further highlights the contributions of Dr. Mohanlal Panda, whose work on democratic governance, social dignity, and inclusive development reminds us that heritage without humanity becomes hollow. His reflections on Salabega and Jagannath’s universal embrace reaffirm the spirit of India’s shared civilization.
Read the full article here:
https://medium.com/@lenin_75290/jagannath-kashi-and-the-muslim-devotees-who-keep-indias-shared-civilization-alive-73b183f09d48
#Jagannath #Kashi #Varanasi #SharedHeritage #Salabega #GangaJamuniTehzeeb #IndianCivilization #Pluralism #MohanlalPanda #BrijeshSingh #LeninRaghuvanshi #InterfaithHarmony #Banaras
आज संकट मोचन मंदिर के महंत, IIT BHU के वरिष्ठ प्रोफेसर, गंगा-जमुनी संस्कृति के संवाहक तथा काशी की समावेशी परंपरा के प्रेरणास्रोत श्रद्धेय Prof. Vishambhar Nath Mishra जी का जन्मदिवस है।
इस विशेष अवसर पर Lenin Raghuvanshi, Shruti Nagvanshi, सह-लेखक चंद्र मिश्रा तथा People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) परिवार की ओर से उन्हें हार्दिक बधाई एवं मंगलकामनाएँ।
कुछ दिन पूर्व हमें अपनी पुस्तक “Kashi” उन्हें भेंट करने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ। वह क्षण केवल एक पुस्तक भेंट करने का औपचारिक अवसर नहीं था, बल्कि काशी की साझा सांस्कृतिक विरासत, मानवीय मूल्यों, सामाजिक न्याय और आध्यात्मिक संवाद को नमन करने का अवसर था।
“Kashi” पुस्तक, जिसे Lenin Raghuvanshi, Shruti Nagvanshi और चंद्र मिश्रा ने मिलकर लिखा है, काशी को केवल मंदिरों और धार्मिक आस्था की नगरी के रूप में नहीं बल्कि विविधता, सहअस्तित्व, करुणा, श्रम और संघर्ष की जीवित सभ्यता के रूप में प्रस्तुत करती है।
पुस्तक में काशी की उस आत्मा को रेखांकित किया गया है जहाँ कबीर, रविदास, बुद्ध, बुनकर, दलित, महिलाएँ, श्रमिक और समाज के हाशिये पर खड़े लोग भी इस महान सभ्यता के समान भागीदार हैं।
महंत प्रो. विश्वम्भर नाथ मिश्र जी ने सदैव अध्यात्म, शास्त्रीय संगीत, गंगा संरक्षण और सामाजिक सद्भाव के माध्यम से काशी की मानवीय और समावेशी पहचान को सशक्त किया है। उनका जीवन इस बात का प्रतीक है कि काशी की असली शक्ति संवाद, करुणा और सहअस्तित्व में निहित है।
आज उनके जन्मदिवस पर हम सभी उनके स्वस्थ, दीर्घ और ऊर्जावान जीवन की कामना करते हैं। बाबा संकट मोचन और माँ गंगा की कृपा सदैव उन पर बनी रहे।
जय सियाराम।
Today marks the birthday of revered Prof. Vishambhar Nath Mishra — Mahant of Sankat Mochan Temple, senior professor at IIT BHU, cultural thinker, environmental advocate, and one of the leading voices representing the inclusive spirit of Kashi.
On this special occasion, Lenin Raghuvanshi, Shruti Nagvanshi, co-author Chandra Mishra, and the entire People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) family extend heartfelt birthday wishes and warm greetings to him.
A few days ago, we had the privilege of presenting our newly published book Kashi to him. The moment was not merely a formal presentation of a book, but a meaningful exchange honouring the shared cultural heritage, social harmony, human dignity, and spiritual ethos of Kashi.
The book Kashi, co-authored by Lenin Raghuvanshi, Shruti Nagvanshi, and Chandra Mishra, presents Kashi not simply as a city of temples and rituals, but as a living civilization shaped by diversity, coexistence, compassion, labour, and resistance.
The book highlights the spirit of Kashi where Kabir, Ravidas, Buddha, weavers, Dalits, women, workers, and marginalized communities all contribute equally to the soul of the city.
Mahant Prof. Vishambhar Nath Mishra Ji has continuously strengthened the humane and pluralistic identity of Kashi through spirituality, classical music, Ganga conservation, and social dialogue. His life reflects the enduring message that the true strength of Kashi lies in compassion, harmony, and coexistence.
On his birthday, we pray for his long, healthy, and inspiring life. May Baba Sankat Mochan and Maa Ganga continue to bless him with strength and wisdom in service of society and culture.
Jai Siya Ram.
🌿 Shruti Nagvanshi on Dignity, Grassroots Leadership, and Social Justice
Honoured to share that Shruti Nagvanshi has been featured in DeFacto 2026, the annual publication of Hansraj College, University of Delhi. The interview reflects on decades of grassroots work with marginalized communities through Jan Mitra Nyas and People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).
The conversation highlights dignity, women’s empowerment, Dalit rights, community leadership, hope, and social justice rooted in lived experiences.
#ShrutiNagvanshi #PVCHR #JanMitraNyas #HumanRights #SocialJustice #GrassrootsLeadership #WomenEmpowerment #DalitRights #CommunityLeadership #Dignity #InclusiveDevelopment #DeFacto2026 #HansrajCollege #UniversityOfDelhi #HopeAndJustice
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A powerful and deeply reflective review by Aayushi Rana on Dalits in Independent India and Margins to Centre Stage. The piece confronts caste violence, state impunity, labour exploitation, and grassroots resistance with honesty and urgency.
“India shed its British shackles in 1947, but failed to dismantle the domestic architecture of oppression.”
For centuries, it has been a space where diverse traditions—Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and Islamic—have coexisted, interacted, and enriched each other. It is the land shaped by voices like Kabir, Ravidas, Premchand, and Bismillah Khan—voices that speak of harmony, dignity, and shared humanity.
My book Kashi is an attempt to tell a people’s history of this timeless city—one that goes beyond its sacred image to reveal its layered realities.
It also questions how faith is being commodified and how heritage is being turned into spectacle, often at the cost of the very communities that keep Kashi alive.
This is not just a book—it is a call to reflect on inclusion, equality, and justice, values deeply rooted in the teachings of Mahadev and the collective memory of Kashi.
Let us reclaim Kashi as a space of shared humanity.
#Kashi #Varanasi #PeopleHistory #SocialJustice #DalitLivesMatter #HumanRights #InclusiveIndia #SharedHeritage #StopCommodification #VoicesOfTheMarginalised #JusticeAndDignity #GrassrootsChange #LeninRaghuvanshi #PVCHR #RightToEquality #India
समाज में सकारात्मक बदलाव लाने वाले लोगों को सम्मानित करना एक प्रगतिशील समाज की पहचान है। इसी दिशा में, प्रसिद्ध मानवाधिकार कार्यकर्ता लेनिन रघुवंशी को वर्ष 2026 का प्रतिष्ठित ‘सोशियोफेयर अवार्ड’ प्रदान किए जाने की घोषणा की गई है।
Recognizing individuals who bring meaningful change is a hallmark of a progressive society. In this spirit, noted human rights activist Lenin Raghuvanshi has been selected for the prestigious ‘Sociophare Award 2026’.
लेनिन रघुवंशी एक समर्पित मानवाधिकार और सामाजिक न्याय कार्यकर्ता हैं, जिन्होंने दशकों से वंचित और हाशिए पर रह रहे समुदायों के अधिकारों के लिए काम किया है।
Lenin Raghuvanshi is a dedicated human rights and social justice activist who has spent decades working for marginalized and underprivileged communities.
उनके नेतृत्व में कई महत्वपूर्ण पहलें की गई हैं, जैसे:
पीड़ितों को न्याय दिलाने के प्रयास
जातीय भेदभाव और सामाजिक बहिष्कार के खिलाफ आवाज
मानव गरिमा और संवैधानिक मूल्यों की रक्षा
Under his leadership, several impactful initiatives have been carried out, including:
Ensuring justice for victims
Raising voice against caste discrimination and social exclusion
Promoting human dignity and constitutional values
उनकी संस्था ‘मानवाधिकार जन निगरानी समिति’ के माध्यम से हजारों लोगों को सहायता और न्याय तक पहुंच मिली है।
Through his organization, thousands have received support and access to justice.
‘सोशियोफेयर अवार्ड’ उन व्यक्तियों और संगठनों को दिया जाता है जो जमीनी स्तर पर समाज में सकारात्मक बदलाव लाने के लिए कार्य कर रहे हैं।
The Sociophare Award recognizes individuals and organizations working at the grassroots level to create meaningful social change.
इस सम्मान को स्वीकार करते हुए लेनिन रघुवंशी ने इसे उन समुदायों और कार्यकर्ताओं को समर्पित किया जो लगातार न्याय और समानता के लिए संघर्ष कर रहे हैं।
While accepting the honor, Raghuvanshi dedicated the award to grassroots activists and communities striving for justice and equality.
उन्होंने कहा कि यह पुरस्कार उन्हें और अधिक प्रतिबद्धता के साथ काम करने की प्रेरणा देता है।
He stated that this recognition motivates him to continue his work with greater commitment.
Human rights defender Lenin Raghuvanshi has published a reflective article highlighting the transformative role of women’s leadership in building a more just and humane society. The piece draws from experiences during International Women’s Day 2026 programmes in Varanasi, including a dialogue organized by Amar Ujala, one of India’s leading Hindi newspapers, under its “My City संवाद” initiative.
The article features the work and leadership of social activist Shruti Nagvanshi, who participated in the Amar Ujala discussion alongside women leaders from education, administration, law enforcement, and social sectors. Their conversation on gender equality and empowerment was also featured in Amar Ujala’s Varanasi edition (8 March 2026).
Raghuvanshi also reflects on Shruti Nagvanshi’s engagements during Women’s Day events, including her address as chief guest at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Varanasi, and her recognition with the INSPIRE Women Award 2026 at the DALIMSS Sunbeam Group of Schools. The article acknowledges the educational vision of Baba Madhok and Puja Madhok, whose institutions encourage young students to connect education with social responsibility and equality.
Through personal reflection, Raghuvanshi emphasizes that women’s empowerment is not merely a symbolic agenda but a transformative force that strengthens democracy, justice, and humanity.
Together in Struggle, Together in Hope: A Life of Partnership, Justice, and the Moral Imperative of Social Responsibility
Honoured at the TOI National CSR Summit 2026 in the distinguished presence of the Hon’ble Vice-President of India, this moment was not just recognition of work — but a reflection of decades of shared struggle, partnership, and commitment to justice.
From our journey through Jan Mitra Nyas and PVCHR, to grassroots work for marginalized communities, women’s empowerment, and human dignity — this recognition reaffirms our belief that social transformation must be rooted in compassion, accountability, and collective responsibility.
Receiving the honour together on our marriage anniversary made it deeply personal — a celebration of partnership in life and in the pursuit of justice.
Grateful to all who walk this path with us. The journey continues.
Together in life. Together in struggle. Together in hope.
#SocialJustice #CSR #HumanRights #ViksitBharat #GrassrootsLeadership #PVCHR #JanMitraNyas #WomenEmpowerment #InclusiveDevelopment #UnsungHeroes #Partnership
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बाल विवाह एक प्रथा नहीं, बल्कि गंभीर परिणाम है, जो कि लड़कियों से उनका बचपन और हौसला छीन लेता है और इसी के खिलाफ आवाज उठाने का सराहनीय कार्य वाराणसी की श्रुति नागवंशी कई सालों से कर रही हैं। उल्लेखनीय है कि कम उम्र से ही श्रुति ने महिलाओं के उत्थान के लिए खुद को समर्पित कर दिया है। ज्ञात हो कि बीते 30 सालों से दलित महिलाओं के साथ मिलकर उन्होंने बाल श्रम और महिलाओं को दिए जाने वाले सभी तरह के उत्पीड़न के खिलाफ आवाज बुलंद की है। श्रुति का कहना है कि महिलाओं से जुड़े उत्पीड़न के मामले छोटे या बड़े नहीं होते हैं, बल्कि पीड़ादायक होता है। आइए जानते हैं विस्तार से।
बनारस निवासी श्रुति नागवंशी ने कई दलित महिलाओं को नई जिंदगी दी है। उन्होंने कई साल पहले बाल श्रम को लेकर एक लड़ाई शुरू की और उसमें सफल भी रही और उसके बाद से ही लगातार उन्होंने बाल श्रम से लेकर बाल विवाह की जड़ को खत्म करने का कार्य किया है। उन्होंने लगभग 15 बाल विवाह को होने से रोका है। कई सारी छोटी लड़कियों के जीवन को वक्त से पहले शादी के अंधेरे से बाहर लाने का कार्य किया है। अपने पति के साथ मिलकर उन्होंने मानवाधिकार जन सतर्कता समिति की शुरुआत की। इसके साथ ही अपने सराहनीय कार्य के लिए उन्हें अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर मान्यता भी मिल चुकी है। साल 2016 में उन्हें भारत के महिला एवं बाल विकास मंत्रालय द्वारा शीर्ष 100 महिला अचीवर्स में भी शामिल किया गया। उन्हें लेनिन रघुवंशी के साथ मिलकर नोबेल शांति पुरस्कार के लिए भी नामांकित किया जा चुका है। हालांकि बीते दो दशक से अपने इस कार्य को शुरू करने की प्रेरणा उन्हें बचपन में ही मिल चुकी है। वह कई सामाजिक कार्यों का हिस्सा बचपन से ही रही हैं। अपने करियर और जीवन में कई तरह की चुनौतियों के बाद भी उन्होंने लोगों के उत्थान के लिए किए गए कार्यों को हमेशा जारी रखा और अपना जीवन पूर्ण तरह से समर्पित कर दिया है। समाज के लिए अपनी इस सेवा पर श्रुति का कहना है कि उन्होंने तकरीबन 30 साल पहले इस काम को शुरू किया था और फिर मानवाधिकार जन निगरानी समिति के द्वारा बाल श्रम की लड़ाई शुरू की। उन्होंने कहा कि उनके अब तक के सफर में उन महिलाओं के सामने अपने अधिकारों के लिए बड़ा संकट था, जो खासतौर पर बस्तियों में रहती थीं। खासतौर पर इन महिलाओं को सरकारी योजनाओं का लाभ दिलाना और अस्पताल जैसी सुविधा के लिए वह लगातार प्रयास कर रही हैं और सफल भी रही हैं।
