Aruna Roy Biography
Aruna Roy is a well-known social activist and advocate for transparency and accountability in government in India. Her contributions to social and political reform in India have earned her numerous accolades and awards.
As a pioneer of the Right to Information (RTI) movement in India, Aruna Roy has been at the forefront of empowering citizens by promoting transparency and accountability in governance. She co-founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), a people’s movement that has been instrumental in advocating for the RTI Act, which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2005.
Aruna Roy’s work has inspired many other social activists and has been instrumental in shaping public policy in India. She has been recognized for her contributions to social change with numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Right Livelihood Award, and the Padma Shri.
Through her work, Aruna Roy has demonstrated the power of ordinary citizens to bring about social and political change. Her commitment to transparency, accountability, and social justice continues to inspire people around the world.
Ā Whether you’re a student, journalist, or just someone interested in social activism, Aruna Roy’s life and legacy provide a fascinating case study in the power of grassroots movements to effect change.
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Aruna Roy Early Life
Aruna Roy was born on May 26, 1946, in Chennai, India. Her father, Ajoy Kumar Roy, was a civil servant who worked for the Indian government. Her mother, Mira Roy, was a homemaker who instilled in her children a strong sense of social responsibility and compassion for the less fortunate.
Growing up, Aruna Roy was exposed to the challenges faced by marginalized communities in India. Her father’s job required him to travel to remote areas of the country, where he witnessed firsthand the poverty and inequality that existed. These experiences had a profound impact on Aruna Roy and shaped her values and worldview.
Education
Aruna Roy completed her schooling in Madras, where she excelled academically. She went on to earn a degree in Economics from Delhi University, where she was exposed to different schools of thought and developed a keen interest in social issues.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Aruna Roy decided to pursue a career in social work. She enrolled in the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, where she completed her post-graduation in Social Work. This was a formative experience for her, as she was exposed to the challenges faced by marginalized communities in India and the role of social workers in addressing these challenges.
Career
After completing her education, Aruna Roy joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1968. She was assigned to the Madhya Pradesh cadre and worked in various positions in the government. However, after working in the bureaucracy for several years, she became disillusioned with the system and realized that it was not designed to address the needs of the marginalized sections of society.
In 1990, Aruna Roy quit her job and joined the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), a grassroots organization working for the rights of farmers and laborers in Rajasthan. This was a turning point in her life, as she found her true calling in social activism. As a member of the MKSS, Aruna Roy played a key role in the implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI) in India. This act allows citizens to access government information and has been instrumental in exposing corruption and holding the government accountable.
Aruna Roy’s early life and education have shaped her values and her commitment to social justice. Growing up in a family that valued compassion and social responsibility, Aruna Roy was exposed to the challenges faced by marginalized communities in India from a young age. Her education in economics and social work provided her with the tools to understand and address these challenges.
Aruna Roy’s decision to join the MKSS and her role in the implementation of the RTI Act are a testament to her commitment to social justice. Her work has had far-reaching consequences and has improved the lives of millions of people in India. Aruna Roy’s life serves as an inspiration to all those who seek to make a positive impact on society and to fight for the rights of the marginalized.
Aruna Roy Husband
Aruna Roy, the renowned social activist, and advocate is married to Bunker Roy, a social entrepreneur who is the founder of the Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan. Bunker Roy and Aruna Roy have been married for over four decades and have worked together to improve the lives of marginalized communities in India.
Bunker Roy is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and went on to study at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. However, instead of pursuing a corporate career, he chose to work for the betterment of rural communities in India.
In 1972, Bunker Roy founded the Barefoot College, a unique institution that trains rural women in various skills such as solar electrification, water management, and handicrafts. The Barefoot College has become a model for sustainable development and has been replicated in several countries around the world.
Aruna Roy and Bunker Roy’s work in their respective fields has been complementary, and they have supported each other’s efforts to promote social justice and sustainable development. Bunker Roy’s work in the Barefoot College has empowered rural women and improved their economic and social status, while Aruna Roy’s work in the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI) has been instrumental in exposing corruption and promoting transparency in governance.
Together, Aruna Roy and Bunker Roy have been recognized with several awards and honors for their contributions to society. Aruna Roy was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2000 for her work in social activism, while Bunker Roy received the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Award in 2002.
Aruna Roy Quotes
Aruna Roy is known for her insightful and inspiring quotes that have motivated countless people to work towards social justice and equality. Here are some of her most famous quotes:
1. “Transparency is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end. The end is accountability and social justice.”
This quote highlights the importance of transparency in governance and how it can help in promoting social justice and accountability.
2. “The poor are not asking for charity, they are asking for their rights.”
This quote emphasizes the fact that poverty is not a result of laziness or lack of effort but rather a lack of access to basic rights and resources.
3. “We must empower people to ask questions, demand transparency and accountability, and challenge those in power.”
This quote highlights the importance of empowering people to question authority and demand transparency in governance to ensure accountability and promote social justice.
4. “Democracy is not just about voting, it’s about participating.”
This quote highlights the fact that democracy is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires active participation from all citizens.
5. “Justice is not a charity, it’s a duty.”
This quote emphasizes that it is the duty of every individual to work towards justice and equality for all, rather than treating it as a form of charity.
Aruna Roy’s quotes reflect her passion and commitment to promoting social justice, transparency, and accountability in governance. These quotes have inspired many to work towards creating a more just and equal society.
Frequently Asked Question ( FAQS)
Who is Aruna Roy?
Aruna Roy is a well-known social activist and advocate for transparency and accountability in government in India. Her contributions to social and political reform in India have earned her numerous accolades and awards.
Where was Aruna Roy born?
Aruna Roy was born on May 26, 1946, in Chennai, India.
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