STORIES THAT MATTER – An Interactive Session with Sunitha Krishnan, Neelam Katara & Laxmi

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) organised a very interesting session with three inspirational women, Sunitha Krishnan, Neelam Katara & Laxmi, on September 15, 2017 at FICCI, New Delhi.  The session was very aptly titled “Stories That Matter.”

As a part of its activities, FLO brings together women achievers for interactive sessions on breaking through challenges, beating the odds, walking the pathways of courage and playing the role of inspirational role model for women around the globe.

FLO President, Vasvi Bharat Ram said, “FLO is the most apt platform to connect, learn and grow. We recognise the success stories of women who breaks all stereotypes and provide a platform for the members to be inspired by them. This programme was an excellent opportunity to be motived by the inspiring success stories of Sunitha Krishnan, Neelam Katara & Laxmi.”

She added, “Fearless women and icons of inspiration – these are real life heroes and are winners in the journey of life. FLO salutes their indomitable spirit and unsurpassable courage.”

Sunitha Krishnan is an Indian social activist and chief functionary and co-founder of Prajwala, a non-governmental organization that rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates sex-trafficked victims into society.

Krishnan works in the areas of anti-human trafficking and social policy. Her organization, Prajwala shelters rescued women and children and set up one of the largest rehabilitation homes in the country. She is making it possible for NGOs organizations to manage jointly a range of protective and rehabilitative services for women and children who have been trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation. She was awarded India’s fourth highest civilian award the Padma Shri in 2016.

Neelam Katara is the mother of Nitish Katara, who was brutally murdered because he fell in love with a girl from another caste. Her 15 year old legal battle against her politically powerful killers is highly inspirational. The killers are currently serving lifter.

Katara was a teacher and education adviser with the Kendriya Vidyalaya Board. She worked with the British Council, Oxford University Press, and was an examiner for the IELTS test.

Laxmi Agarwal is an Indian campaigner with Stop Acid Attacks and a TV host. She is an acid attack survivor and speaks for the rights of acid attack victims. She was attacked in 2005 at age 15, by a 32-year-old man Gudda and his alias Naeem Khan whose advances she had rejected. Her story, among others, was told in a series on acid attack victims by Hindustan Times. She has also advocated against acid attacks through gathering 27,000 signatures for a petition to curb acid sales, and taking that cause to the Indian Supreme Court. Her petition led the Supreme Court to order the central and state governments to regulate the sale of acid, and the Parliament to make prosecutions of acid attacks easier to pursue.

She is the director of Chhanv Foundation, a NGO dedicated to help the survivors of acid attacks in India. Laxmi received a 2014 International Women of Courage award by US First Lady Michelle Obama. She was also chosen as the NDTV Indian of the Year.