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“Starvation deaths are a shame to humankind. Food is not a scarce commodity in India. On one hand, there are huge stocks of food, and on the other hand, people are dying of hunger. It happens right here in my part of the country. This moved me and I decided not to passively watch it any longer, but instead, to do something about it. Those who are dying are landless labourers and daily wagers. They are men and women with no means to make a living and feed their children. Food is there, right in front of them, but they cannot afford it. The public welfare system is defective and sometimes corrupt. We know that this region is also prone to droughts, so state relief measures should be in place. But what can people do without appropriate information? Human rights start in peoples’ minds. Knowing that they have rights creates consciousness, increases selfesteem, and extends options for action. Creating awareness is of the utmost importance and I am proud to be a part of this cause. I am a woman and I know what discrimination feels like. It can hinder a person’s development in many ways. In the worst case, it kills. I will not accept any of it.”