V. Mohini Giri (15 January 1938[2] – 19 December 2023)[3] was an Indian community service worker and activist, who was Chairperson of the Guild of Service, a New Delhi-based social service organisation. Established in 1979, it provides advocacy for women's and children's rights for education, employment, and financial security.[4][5] She founded War Widows Association, New Delhi in 1972, and was Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (1995–1998).[6]

V. Mohini Giri
Giri (right) receiving Padma Bhushan from President Kalam in 2007
Born(1938-01-15)15 January 1938[1]
Died19 December 2023(2023-12-19) (aged 85)
NationalityIndian
Occupation(s)Social worker, activist
founder Guild of Service (1979)

In 2007, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, given by Government of India.[7]

Early life and background

edit

Born in Lucknow to scholar V. S. Ram, she graduated from Lucknow University,[8] followed by post graduation in Ancient Indian history from University of Delhi, and a doctorate from G.B. Pant University.[9]

Giri was the daughter-in-law of V. V. Giri, former President of India.[1]

Career

edit

Giri started her career as an academic and established the women's studies department at Lucknow University.[8] Giri was the Founder President of the War Widows Association which was formed in 1972 after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971[10] and in 2000 became the Founder Trustee of the Women's Initiative for Peace in South Asia.[9]

Giri was also a board member of The Hunger Project, a New York-based international charity.[11]

Death

edit

Giri died on 19 December 2023, at the age of 85.[12]

Bibliography

edit
  • V. Mohini Giri (2006). Deprived Devis: Women's Unequal Status in Society. Gyan Publishing House, New Delhi.
  • V. Mohini Giri; Meera Khanna (2021). Mantras For Positive Ageing. Pippa Rann Books and Media, UK.
  • V. Mohini Giri; Srinivasan Gokilvani (1997). Reaching the Unreachable Women's Participation in Panchayat Raj Administration: A Feministic Study on the Role Performance and Experiences of Elected Women in Sivaganga District. Department of Women's Studies, Alagappa University.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "V. Mohini Giri Profile". Guild for Service. Archived from the original on 12 March 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  2. ^ "V. Mohini Giri". Women in Peace. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  3. ^ Padma Bhushan awardee Mohini Giri passes away
  4. ^ Pisharoty, Sangeeta Barooah (27 August 2013). "Silver years defined". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  5. ^ "Interview with Dr. Mohini Giri". aarpinternational.org. 1 September 2010. Archived from the original on 3 October 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  6. ^ "Chairpersons of the Commission". NCW Official website. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Padma Awards Directory (1954–2009)" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  8. ^ a b "Illustrious alumni recall glorious days at Lucknow University". The Times of India. 26 November 2013. Archived from the original on 12 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  9. ^ a b "Dr. V. Mohini Giri profile". The Hunger Project. Archived from the original on 18 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  10. ^ "History". War Widows Association, New Delhi, India. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  11. ^ "Global Board of Directors and Officers". The Hunger Project. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  12. ^ "Padma Bhushan awardee Mohini Giri passes away". The Hindu. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.