What can u say about a girl who had a happy childhood, who grew up in a household of women, who lived with her great grandmother, grandmother, mother and an aunt and who was used to women running the household?

With Such strong examples at home, she naturally imbibed all the good qualities from them and gre up to be an independent social activist.  She is none other than Rukmini Rao.

Hailing from Hyderabad, there was no discrimination between her and her two brothers.She lost her father at the tender age of two but her mother made up for this loss with her extra care.She went to the best school in town. Her mother was the one who suggested that Rukmini should opt for higher education. She completed Masters in Psychology from the Osmania University Arts College and started teaching at St Francis College for Women in Hyderabad. She then left for Delhi for her higher studies.In 1974, Rukmini then pursued her BA, Masters and PhD in Psychology. She began her career at the National Labour Institute and Public Enterprise Centre for Continuing Education in Delhi between mid 1970 to mid 1980s.

Dowry deaths were emerging as a serious problem. To fight against such evils, a group of like minded people along with Rukmini, set up Saheli Resource Centre for women in 1981.She then worked with the Deccan Development Society for many years to promote the rights of women farmers. Her role was to develop women’s leadership. She also set up an organization to support NGOs to understand gender issues and make relevant development interventions. Her work in Andhra Pradesh, was successful in closing down many illegal adoption centres. She has said that,”We are a small group, but it’s a model that can be followed anywhere. It is a hard struggle. But one thing that keeps me going is seeing the change happen. We have to keep going; there is no turning back”

Elected “woman of the year” for Indian magazine, The Week in 2014, Rukmini Rao is a key activist for women’s rights in India. She joined Aide et Action’s Board of Directors in 2011, and leads her very own flagship program “the Gramya Resource Center for Women”. She urges us all to step out of our comfort zone and see what we can do to improve our surroundings.

By: Hema Nair (Volunteer At RSKS India)