Aruna Roy: A Pioneering Advocate for Social Justice and Grassroots Empowerment

The life and legacy of Aruna Roy, a renowned champion of social activism and grassroots empowerment, unfolds as a compelling narrative of unwavering commitment to justice. Born in 1946 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Aruna’s transformative journey from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to becoming a leading advocate for people’s rights is a testament to her dedication to effecting positive change in Indian society.

Early Years and Unconventional Upbringing

Aruna Roy’s early life defied convention. Hailing from a family of Tamil Brahmins, her upbringing rejected traditional beliefs about caste and religion, embodying a commitment to egalitarian principles. Her family history was steeped in public service, with her grandparents actively engaged in volunteer work and social causes. Aruna’s mother, Hema, a multi-talented woman, excelled in diverse subjects, while her father, Jayaram, was a lawyer deeply involved in the Indian independence movement.

Aruna’s education was equally diverse, encompassing training in dance and music, convent schooling, and exposure to French. Her experiences at the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and her education in Delhi added layers to her broad understanding of the world.

Civil Services and Feminist Choice

In 1967, Aruna Roy entered the IAS examinations, aspiring to champion social justice within the constitutional framework. Her decision to join the male-dominated civil services was a feminist choice influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. Despite serving in various capacities in Tamil Nadu and Delhi, disillusionment set in as she encountered deeply entrenched colonial values and hierarchical structures within the bureaucracy. Frustrated by institutional resistance and corruption, Aruna Roy decided to leave the civil services and leverage her experience to build a network committed to change.

Barefoot College and Rural Realities

A pivotal shift occurred in 1974 when Aruna Roy joined her husband, Sanjit Roy, at the Barefoot College in rural Rajasthan. Living in a village without basic amenities, she grasped the significance of an ascetic lifestyle and gained a profound understanding of rural challenges. The Barefoot College, under her husband’s guidance, became a hub for introducing technologies like solar power to rural villages, emphasising the importance of traditional knowledge.

Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) Era

In 1990, Aruna Roy co-founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) with Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh. Operating as a non-bureaucratic and non-hierarchical organisation, MKSS aimed to mobilise collective action for the rights of the rural poor without political affiliations. The innovative concept of “People’s Hearings” held the government accountable, allowing marginalised communities to voice grievances directly.

Right to Information Movement

Initially focused on fair wages, MKSS’s activism evolved into the larger Right to Information (RTI) movement. Aruna Roy played a pivotal role in the RTI movement, leading to the passage of the RTI Act in 2005, granting citizens the power to access information held by public authorities.

Later Career and Continued Activism

Post-2004, Aruna Roy continued championing the rights of the poor and marginalised. Her endeavours included campaigns for the Right to Work (NREGA), the Right to Food, and universal, non-contributory pensions. She also served on the National Advisory Council (NAC) and was appointed the 2016 Professor of Practice in Global Governance at McGill University.

In 2018, Aruna Roy and the MKSS collective published “The RTI Story: Power to the People,” chronicling the history of the RTI movement in India.

Honours and Recognition

Aruna Roy’s remarkable contributions have been recognised through awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 2000 and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award in 2010. Time magazine named her one of the hundred most influential people in the world in 2011.

Aruna Roy’s transformative journey from a civil servant to a prominent social activist underscores her enduring commitment to social justice, grassroots empowerment, and the rights of the marginalised. Her impact on Indian social activism continues to inspire countless others to champion the cause of justice and equality.