Shantha Sinha
Encyclopedia
Prof. Shantha Sinha is an anti-child labour activist of international reputation. She is the founder of Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiya Foundation, popularly known as MV Foundation (which is named in memory of her grandfather Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiah), and is a Professor in the Department of Political science in Hyderabad Central University. Currently, she heads the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, an Act of Parliament (December 2005). Professor Sinha is its first chairperson.
up to class 8. She studied from classes 9 to 12 in Keyes High School for Girls, Secunderabad.
for community leadership. She has also been awarded the Padma Shri
(1999), and the Albert Shanker International Award (1999) from Education International
. A rights activist, her contribution to a phenomenal reduction in child labour in nearly 500 villages of Ranga Reddy district in Andhra Pradesh is perhaps unparalleled. Recognizing her work, the Government of India appointed her as the first chairperson of the newly formed NCPCR.
Early life and background
Shantha Sinha is an alumnus of St. Ann's High School, SecunderabadSt. Ann's High School, Secunderabad
Saint Ann's High School is a girls school located at East Marredpally, Secunderabad, India.It was opened on April 1, 1871. Saint Ann's Convent was founded by Mother Enrichetta, an Italian missionary, in the 18th century. It is named after Saint Anne, known by tradition as the mother of The Virgin...
up to class 8. She studied from classes 9 to 12 in Keyes High School for Girls, Secunderabad.
College Education
She went on to complete her M.A in Political Science from Osmania University in 1970. She obtained her Ph.D from JNU in 1976.Career
Shanta Sinha is an academic with Hyderabad Central University. She gained the internationally renowned 2003 Ramon Magsaysay awardRamon Magsaysay Award
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay's example of integrity in government, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is often considered Asia's Nobel...
for community leadership. She has also been awarded the Padma Shri
Padma Shri
Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan...
(1999), and the Albert Shanker International Award (1999) from Education International
Education International
Education International is a global union federation of teachers' trade unions. Currently, it has 401 member organizations in 172 countries and territories, representing over 30 million education personnel from pre-school to university...
. A rights activist, her contribution to a phenomenal reduction in child labour in nearly 500 villages of Ranga Reddy district in Andhra Pradesh is perhaps unparalleled. Recognizing her work, the Government of India appointed her as the first chairperson of the newly formed NCPCR.