A Christian Social Activist titled as’Jewel of India’ and ‘Mahila Rattan’

Dr. Sasiprabha Stanley a renowned Christian activist bagged two ‘National Titles’ recently in the fields of social work.

The International Institute of Education and Management titled her as ‘Jewel of India’ and the Indian Solidarity Council  has titled her as ‘Mahila Rattan’ (Diamond Woman) recognising her 35 years of grass-roots holistic development engagements against Poverty,  Malnutrition, and Child Labour, and contribution to Adivasi and Dalit Women, Gender Justice, Girl Child Protection, Rural Child Development, Youth, Child Focused Community Development initiatives, Land, Water, Forest, and Eco-justice initiatives. She has also worked with Church and NGOs for empowerment and development of the marginalised communities.

Dr. Sasiprabha  was on several Government committees and Boards. She was the convener of the District level Non-governmental organizations federation and  served as a Wild Life Warden in Koraput District, Odisha. She also served as the Chairperson of the Women’s Desk, Division of Social Action and Treasurer of the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India. She also served as a member of the Council of Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, and of the Board of Directors, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). Recognising her committed grass-roots activities among the Adivasi and Dalit Women and Children, the Academy of Ecumenical Indian Theology and Church Administration honoured her with Doctor of Divinity under ‘honoris causa‘ in 2004. She was also on the Staff team in the Andhra Pradesh Council of Churches from 1980 -82.

A globally renowned Indian woman activist, Dr. Sasiprabha has travelled widely and has facilitated hundreds of workshops and seminars, and has presented papers nationally and internationally. She has published several research documents on Micro Credit, Plantation Strategies, Gender Justice, Science and Technology for Women, Women and Panchayat Raj, Contemporary issues and the Challenges of Youth and Poverty, Effects of Economic Globalization on Adivasi Communities, Accountability of Government to victims of development schemes and projects, etc..

Dr. Sasiprabha initiated ‘CeFHA’ (Centre For Humanitarian Assistance) an NGO at Visakhapatnam that promotes and defends Children, Gender and Earth Rights.  Prior to this enagagement, she was serving as one of the Directors of the Integrated Rural Development of Weaker Sections in India from 1982.

Born on 11.12.1956 at Visakhapatnam to Mr.K.Elisha and Mrs.Sarojini, Dr. Sasiprabha completed her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Andhra University. She got married to Dr. William Stanley son of Mr.Masilamani and Mrs. Suseela of Tindivanam, Tamilnadu and started her work with Adivasis in Koraput area. She is a member of Church of South India, St. Paul’s Church, Visakapatnam.

The Programme unit on Justice, Peace and Creation of National Council of Churches in India congratulates her for this achievement and wishes her all the best in the service of God and Creation

Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad

General Secretary, NCCI

Executive Secretary,
Rev. R. Christopher Rajkumar
NCCI – JPC