Shruti Nagvanshi

Shruti Nagvanshi

Shruti Nagvanshi (born 2 January 1974, Varanasi, India) is a renowned social activist, human rights defender, and gender justice advocate whose life’s mission is to advance the dignity, rights, and empowerment of marginalized communities in India. As the Managing Trustee of JanMitra Nyas and Co-founder of People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), she has led transformative initiatives to dismantle caste-based discrimination, challenge patriarchy, and secure justice for Dalits, Adivasis, women, and children.

Her activism combines grassroots action with policy advocacy, blending Gandhian non-violence, Ambedkarite social justice, and a deep commitment to inclusive democracy.

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Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences, Hindi & Ancient History), Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, 1995.

  • Schooling at Basant Kanya Vidyalaya (Annie Besant Theosophical Society), Varanasi.

Leadership & Contributions

  • Managing Trustee, JanMitra Nyas — advancing inclusive rural development, women’s rights, and social justice.

  • Co-Founder, PVCHR — pioneering initiatives for torture survivors, Dalit rights, and grassroots democracy.

  • Founder, Savitri Bai Phule Mahila Panchayat — a platform to strengthen women’s voices against patriarchal violence.

  • Advocate for child health, nutrition, and education, with special focus on Musahar and Dalit girls.

  • Writer and contributor in English and Hindi, addressing caste, gender, and human rights issues.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Top 100 Women Achievers of India (Government of India & Facebook, 2016).

  • Rex Karmveer Chakra Award (Silver), 2019.

  • Tilka Manjhi National Award, for advancing Dalit women’s rights.

  • Honored by cultural icons like Javed Akhtar for promoting communal harmony.

  • Recognized globally for her tireless advocacy and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her role in fostering peace, equality, and justice.

Publications

  • Margins to Centre Stage: Empowering Dalits in India (Co-authored with Dr. Archana Kaushik).

  • Numerous articles in Hindi and English on child rights, caste discrimination, women’s empowerment, and social justice.

family devoted to change — Shruti Nagvanshi, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, and Kabeer Karunik inspire hope through their tireless work in human rights, social justice, and inclusive development.

Personal Life

Shruti is married to Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, a fellow human rights defender and social reformer. Together, they have one son, Kabeer Karunik. She draws inspiration from both her Gandhian upbringing and the Ambedkarite vision of equality, living out the values of justice, dignity, and compassion.

Online Presence