Annapurna Maharana

Overview

Annapurna Maharana born Cuttack, India November 3, 1917 (d. 2012). Gandhian disciple. Joined Gandhi's march through the state of Orissa, 1937; imprisoned on three occasions during independence movement, 1932, 1942, 1944. Joined Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan marches, 1951; worked on famine relief efforts, 1966; aided refugees along India-Bangladesh border, 1970-71; undertook Chambal Valley padayatra to get outlaws to surrender, 1972-73; opened high school in Rayagod, Koraput, to educate tribal children, 1977. Nobel Peace Prize nominee, 2005.

Quotations

"[T]here were many women who fought with their families to fight against the British Raj. Men had only one aim or goal to fight for the Britishers but women had to fight the society as well as the Britishers." (Pragyan Das interview, Odisha Review, February 2012; photo World People's blog)

Sabeen Mahmud

Overview

Sabeen Mahmud born Karachi, Pakistan April 20, 1975 (d. 2015). Pakistani peacemaker and “tech geek.” Founded The Second Floor café (T2F), a community space for social change, 2007. Assassinated after hosting a seminar at T2F, 2015.

Quotations

“I stand up for what I believe in. But I can’t fight guns. I know that much, and nothing is worth dying for. You have to live for these causes.” (Karima Bennoune interview, April 25, 2015; photo tribune.com.pk)

Ruth Manorama

Overview

Ruth Manorama born Chennai, India May 30, 1952. Champion of India's lowest social caste, the Dalits; received Right Livelihood Award, 2006.

Quotations

"To bounce like a ball that has been hit became my deepest desire, and not to curl up and collapse because of the blow." (Dec. 8, 2006 acceptance speech; photo rightlivelihood.org)

Hansa Mehta

Overview

Hansa Mehta born Surat, Gujarat, India July 3, 1897 (d. 1995). Nonviolent freedom fighter twice arrested in Gandhi's Salt Campaign; served five months in prison; feminist editor, educator and playwright; first Indian delegate to UN Human Rights Commission which drafted Universal Declaration, insisting that instead of "men" it read "all human beings are created free and equal"; chaired UN Human Rights committee on enforcement of rights; advocated Human Rights court; first delegate on UN Commission on Women; gave first Indian flag on behalf of women 1947; drafted Indian constitution; member of WILPF.

Usha Mehta

Overview

Usha Mehta born Saras, Surat, Gujarat, India March 25, 1920 (d. 2000). Gandhian nonviolent freedom fighter; politics professor and PhD at Bombay University. Founded Secret Congress Radio, an underground radio station, 1942; arrested and sentenced to 4 years prison.

Quotations

“In the international field it is said in the event of a third war there will be no victor and no vanquished, the whole world will be destroyed.” (Rediff interview)

Rutuparna Mohanty

Overview

Rutuparna Mohanty born Kapaleswar, Kendrapara district, Odisha, India November 12, 1971. Indian human rights lawyer; “The Fighter Woman” of Gandhian heritage; founded Maa Ghara (Mothers Home) shelter, 2004; Joan Kroc WomanPeacemaker, 2013; began India Women Peacemakers Award, 2014.

Quotations

“Always trust your instincts. They know what they’re talking about.” (Odisha News Insight, May 26, 2016; photo orissadiary.com)