Early Life and Education
Harsh Mander was born on April 17, 1955, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. He grew up in a family that believed in social justice and equality. His father was a civil servant, and his mother was a teacher. Mander’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping his views on social issues and inequality.
Mander completed his schooling in Shillong before moving to Delhi for higher education. He studied Economics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics. He also holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai.
Early Career
After completing his education, Harsh Mander joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1980. He served in various capacities in the government before resigning from the service in 2002. During his time in the IAS, Mander worked on several development projects and gained firsthand experience of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in India.
Activism and Advocacy
After leaving the IAS, Harsh Mander shifted his focus to activism and advocacy work. He became actively involved in issues related to human rights, social justice, and communal harmony. Mander has been a vocal critic of the Indian government’s policies on poverty alleviation, minority rights, and social welfare.
One of Mander’s most significant contributions to the field of social activism is his work with the homeless population in Delhi. He founded the organization ‘Aman Biradari’ which works towards promoting peace and communal harmony among different religious communities. Mander’s work with the homeless led to the creation of the ‘Delhi Commission for Street Vendors’, which aims to protect the rights of street vendors in the city.
Writing Career
In addition to his activism work, Harsh Mander is also an accomplished writer. He has authored several books on social issues, human rights, and communal harmony. Some of his notable works include ‘Unheard Voices: Stories of Forgotten Lives’, ‘Fear and Forgiveness: The Aftermath of Massacre’, and ‘Ash in the Belly: India’s Unfinished Battle Against Hunger’.
Mander’s writing is known for its powerful storytelling and poignant narratives that shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities in India. His books have been widely acclaimed for their insightful analysis and deep empathy towards the subjects he writes about.
Awards and Recognition
Harsh Mander’s work as an activist and writer has been recognized both nationally and internationally. He has received several awards for his contributions to social justice and human rights, including the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award and the A.K. Ramanujan Award for Human Rights.
In 2017, Mander was awarded the prestigious Gleitsman Award by Harvard University for his work on promoting communal harmony and peace in India. The award recognized his efforts to build bridges between different communities and promote understanding and empathy among people from diverse backgrounds.
Current Work
As of today, Harsh Mander continues to be actively involved in advocacy work and writing. He is a frequent commentator on social issues and human rights in India, often speaking out against injustices and inequalities in society.
Mander is also involved in several grassroots initiatives that aim to empower marginalized communities and promote social justice. He works closely with NGOs and civil society organizations to advocate for policy changes that benefit the most vulnerable sections of society.
Legacy
Harsh Mander’s legacy as a social activist, writer, and advocate for human rights is one that will endure for years to come. His tireless dedication to fighting injustice and speaking truth to power has inspired countless individuals to take up the cause of social justice and equality.
Mander’s work serves as a reminder that change is possible when individuals come together to stand up for what is right. His commitment to uplifting the voices of the voiceless has made a lasting impact on Indian society and will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more just and equitable world.
