Vandana Shiva is a renowned Indian lecturer, environmental activist and author, whose commitment to biodiversity, sustainability and social justice is recognised worldwide. She was born on 5 November 1952 in Dehradun, India. After completing her master’s degree in physics at Punjab University, she continued her studies in Canada, where she obtained a doctorate in the philosophy of science at the University of Ontario.
Shiva then moved into research and teaching at the University of Ontario, the University of Maryland, and the University of Delhi. During her teaching and research experience, she became interested in environmental issues and the impact of globalisation on rural communities in India.
Vandana was very committed to environmental and ecological issues and was involved in several social and environmental movements. In the 1980s, she was very active in "Narmada Bachao Andolan" (Save the Narmada Movement), which opposed the construction of huge dams on the Narmada River to prevent the displacement of millions of poor farmers.
In 1991, Vandana founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, also known as Navdanya. It is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to promote biodiversity, sustainability and social justice in India and worldwide. It promotes sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation and the rights of local farmers. The foundation also opposes the use of genetically modified seeds and chemical pesticides, which are considered having a negative impact on the environment and local communities. In addition to projects in India, Navdanya works with partners around the world to promote biodiversity and sustainability, particularly in rural communities.
Shiva is the author of numerous books on the environment and farmers' rights. Her best-known books include Staying alive: women, ecology and development, Monocultures of the Mind, and Earth Democracy; Justice, Sustainability, and Peace. She has also received numerous awards and honours. In 1993, she received the Right Livelihood Award for placing women and ecology at the heart of the modern development discourse. She was also named a "Hero of the Planet" by Time magazine in 2003, and was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize in 2010.
Vandana Shiva is today a model of commitment and dedication to future generations. She is a great example of how knowledge and action can be combined to bring about meaningful change in the world. Her foundation is a global reference for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
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