Namrata Mukherjee is our fellow from West Bengal,

she is a passionate advocate for rights of women and children. Her quest in politics began as a child as her grandparents who were active members within INC embedded in her the values of equality-based politics.

However after marriage she was robbed of all her self-respect and her sense of identity to the extent that she recalls “my husband never even introduced me as his wife no one knew who I was… I was never allowed to go out, just limited within the four walls of the house. I didn't know who I was….”

However her struggles after marriage further escalated in forms of physical and psychological violence. One day the violence reached its peak when they crossed all limits and burnt her hand with hot oil which destroyed it permanently.

Though her relatives encouraged her to adjust even after such a heinous incident, Namrata knew she had to liberate herself and her son from such conditions.

With no financial aid she came back to her natal home and began to teach English at a tuition center. However it wasn't enough to make her ends meet and she had to sell off the little jewelry she owned. These financial struggles became a testament to her perseverance and her journey of self recognition. She can now take care of her son and herself without the support of a man.

Apart from financial problems she also suffered through gender based discrimination in the sphere of employment. She recalls an incident where she was denied a job in favor of a male counterpart despite being more qualified and capable than him.

As a teacher to many children from slums she resonated with the plight of their mothers. These women have no economic autonomy and no identity. Their choices , wishes and rights are controlled by their husbands.

Another issue that impacted her significantly was the conditions of homelessness among young children who are pushed towards a life of crime.

Namrata joined the Indira Fellowship as she saw it as a platform to uplift women and children in slums. Through her Shakti clubs she wants women to realize the importance of economic freedom and self-respect. She helps women in distress financially and educates children with little to no fee. “I believe it's important for children to attain education and I want to be an instrument towards their self development, I don't want to use this just for my own economic advantage but want to give back to the society with best of my abilities”

She also aids women by providing them computer education as well as employment through bead-making.

She believes that the Indira Fellowship’s slogan of 50% HAQ AUR HISSEDARI (claim and equity) is very important because women form 50% of the population and they should have access to the political sphere.

She wants women at the ground levels to be enlightened about their economic, social and political development.

She also wants to end homelessness and poverty suffered by children who do not have access to any government aid, education or any rights enjoyed by other children. Her desire is to end the vicious cycle of “poverty- crime-homelessness”.