V. Mohini Giri

V. Mohini Giri (15 January 1938^[2] – 19 December 2023)^[3] was an Indian community service worker and activist, who was Chairperson of the Guild of Service, a New Delhi-based social service organisation. Established in 1979, it provides advocacy for women's and children's rights for education, employment, and financial security.^[4][5] She founded War Widows Association, New Delhi in 1972, and was Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (1995–1998).^[6]

V. Mohini Giri
Giri (right) receiving Padma Bhushan from President Kalam in 2007
Born	(1938-01-15)15 January 1938[1] Lucknow, United Provinces, British India
Died	19 December 2023(2023-12-19) (aged 85)
Nationality	Indian
Occupation(s)	Social worker, activist founder Guild of Service (1979)

In 2007, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, given by Government of India.^[7]

Early life and background

Born in Lucknow to scholar V. S. Ram, she graduated from Lucknow University,^[8] followed by post graduation in Ancient Indian history from University of Delhi, and a doctorate from G.B. Pant University.^[9]

Giri was the daughter-in-law of V. V. Giri, former President of India.^[1]

Career

Giri started her career as an academic and established the women's studies department at Lucknow University.^[8] Giri was the Founder President of the War Widows Association which was formed in 1972 after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971^[10] and in 2000 became the Founder Trustee of the Women's Initiative for Peace in South Asia.^[9]

Giri was also a board member of The Hunger Project, a New York-based international charity.^[11]

Death

Giri died on 19 December 2023, at the age of 85.^[12]

Bibliography

• V. Mohini Giri (2006). Deprived Devis: Women's Unequal Status in Society. Gyan Publishing House, New Delhi.
• V. Mohini Giri; Meera Khanna (2021). Mantras For Positive Ageing. Pippa Rann Books and Media, UK.
• V. Mohini Giri; Srinivasan Gokilvani (1997). Reaching the Unreachable Women's Participation in Panchayat Raj Administration: A Feministic Study on the Role Performance and Experiences of Elected Women in Sivaganga District. Department of Women's Studies, Alagappa University.

References

1. "V. Mohini Giri Profile". Guild for Service. Archived from the original on 12 March 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
2. "V. Mohini Giri". Women in Peace. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
3. Padma Bhushan awardee Mohini Giri passes away
4. Pisharoty, Sangeeta Barooah (27 August 2013). "Silver years defined". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
5. "Interview with Dr. Mohini Giri". aarpinternational.org. 1 September 2010. Archived from the original on 3 October 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
6. "Chairpersons of the Commission". NCW Official website. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
7. "Padma Awards Directory (1954–2009)" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
8. "Illustrious alumni recall glorious days at Lucknow University". The Times of India. 26 November 2013. Archived from the original on 12 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
9. "Dr. V. Mohini Giri profile". The Hunger Project. Archived from the original on 18 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
10. "History". War Widows Association, New Delhi, India. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
11. "Global Board of Directors and Officers". The Hunger Project. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
12. "Padma Bhushan awardee Mohini Giri passes away". The Hindu. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.