Sudha Bharadwaj - A Lifestory

Sudha Bharadwaj is a lawyer and trade unionist known for her extensive work advocating for the rights of workers and marginalized communities in Chhattisgarh, India. Born in the United States, she relinquished her American citizenship to dedicate her life to social justice in India. After graduating from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur with a degree in mathematics, she moved to Chhattisgarh in the 1980s and immersed herself in the struggles of the working class, particularly miners and tribal communities.

Instead of pursuing a lucrative career, Bharadwaj chose to study law and use her legal expertise to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and land rights for the disadvantaged. She became a prominent figure in the trade union movement, actively participating in strikes, protests, and negotiations with employers and the government. Her work extended beyond labor rights to include issues of environmental protection and the rights of indigenous populations displaced by development projects.

Bharadwaj is a founding member of the Janhit Foundation, a legal aid organization that provides free legal assistance to marginalized communities in Chhattisgarh. She has also been actively involved in various social movements advocating for democratic rights and social justice. Her commitment to these causes has often brought her into conflict with powerful interests, and she has faced harassment and intimidation for her activism. Despite these challenges, Sudha Bharadwaj remains a dedicated advocate for the rights of the poor and oppressed, working tirelessly to create a more just and equitable society.