Vijaya Rahatkar Biography: Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, currently 58 years old in 2024, is a name that stands out in the fight for women’s rights in India. Recently, she was appointed as the 9th chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Early Life and Education
Vijaya Rahatkar was born on August 21, 1966, and she grew up in a humble environment, far from political power. Unlike many politicians, she did not have family connections to help her rise. Instead, her success comes from her strong will and commitment to serving the public.
Her educational background is impressive. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Master’s degree in History from the University of Pune. This combination of science and humanities shows her broad interests and skills, which would later help her in her advocacy work for women.
Husband and Daughter
Vijaya shares her life with her husband, Mr. Kishore Rahatkar, and their daughter, Kalyani Rahatkar. She balances her professional responsibilities with her personal life while nurturing a loving family.
Career in Public Service
Vijaya’s journey into politics began in 1995 when she started as a booth worker for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
From 2016 to 2021, she served as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. In this role, she launched several important programs aimed at helping women.
One notable initiative, “Sakshama,” provided support for acid attack survivors, helping them with both emotional and physical recovery. This program showed her compassion and commitment to those in need.
Another key program was “Prajwala,” which connected self-help groups to government schemes, empowering women by giving them access to resources. She also started “Suhita,” a 24/7 helpline for women in distress, ensuring they had a safe space to seek help.
Vijaya Rahatkar has also worked hard on legal reforms to protect women. She has been involved in important issues like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, establishing anti-triple talaq cells, and creating units to combat human trafficking.
Now, as the chairperson of the NCW, Vijaya Rahatkar brings with her years of experience and effective leadership. Her appointment lasts for three years or until she turns 65, whichever comes first. This new role allows her to continue her important work for women’s rights on a national level.
Authoring Books
In addition to her advocacy work, Vijaya Rahatkar is also an author. She has written several books, including “Vidhilikhit,” which discusses women’s legal issues, and “Aurangabad: Leading to Wide Roads.” Through her writing, she aims to educate women about their rights and empower them with knowledge.
Vijaya Rahatkar Biography: Controversies
Vijaya once moved the Supreme Court against a decision that required her to step down from her position in the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission after a government change. This action showed her determination to fight for herself and continue her work.
Awards
Vijaya’s efforts have earned her several awards, including the National Law Award and the Savitribai Phule Award from the National Literary Council. These honors recognize her commitment to justice and equality for women in India.
Conclusion
Vijaya Rahatkar’s journey from humble beginnings to a leader in women’s rights is truly inspiring. As she takes on her role at the NCW, she is set to influence important policies that will benefit countless women across India. As she continues her work, Vijaya paves the way for future generations to fight for justice, equality, and empowerment.
Vijaya Rahatkar biography will be updated here as new details emerge.
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