Dr. Mithu Alur

For over 36 years Dr. Mithu Alur has been working in the realm of education, healthcare and employment for women and children; leading to social change, legislation and social policy. Dr Alur is a researcher, academician and an activist. She has authored many books and has a number of Publications, both National and International to her credit. Professionally, a Doctor of Philosophy and policy analyst from the Institute of Education, University of London, her thesis analysis is on the Indian Government's educational policy for children with special abilities. According to Alur, currently there are 40 million specially abled children in India who are denied education. As a result of her tireless efforts to champion the rights of challenged children, the Union Government has accepted their inclusion into mainstream schools as a cardinal principle of its education policy.

Dr. Usha Punjabi

Usha Punjabi whose husband is hearing impaired runs ‘Mook Badhir Sangathan’, that provides security and opportunity to illiterate and unemployed people with hearing impairedness. What began 36 years ago with 25 students is today a senior school and multipurpose training institute, providing facilities and opportunities to over 500 students every year, out of which 300 students are resident and the rest are day-scholars. Her school imparts education right from nursery to graduation, as well as vocational training; like beauty-care, baking, gardening, jam and pickle making etc. It also imparts training for those who want to become teachers. Usha has received an award from Former President APJ Abdul Kalam for her social work.