Book Launch and Extension Lecture by Emmy-winning Journalist Ms Ruchira Gupta
The Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, organised the book launch of ‘I Kick and I Fly’ by Emmy-winning journalist Ruchira Gupta, founder of Apne Aap Women Worldwide NGO, followed by an extension lecture on ‘Gender, Caste, and Inequality’ by the author. The programme was graced by chief guest Prof Eqbal Hussain, Offng. Vice Chancellor, JMI, and was chaired by Prof. Muslim Khan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, JMI and co-chaired by Prof. Tanuja, Hony. Director, CSSEIP, JMI.
The afternoon started with a solemn recitation of a Quran verse, followed by introductory comments by Dr Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, CSSEIP, and welcome address by Prof. Tanuja, Hony. Director, CSSEIP.
Ms Ruchira Gupta, in her keynote address, spoke about the intersectionality of gender, caste, and class, and the ground reality of the women who exist at these intersections. She shared her enriching experiences and realisations of working as a journalist and a human rights activist, speaking about how witnessing the lives of these women changed her trajectory and kickstarted her quest for justice. She spoke about how circumstances, often man-made, cut off the most vulnerable teenage girls from their most basic needs — food, clothing, shelter — and make them more likely to be preyed upon by human traffickers. The lecture was followed by a very interactive Q&A session, during which the attendees asked thought-provoking questions.
In his address following the lecture, Prof. Eqbal Hussain spoke about how, despite the Indian Constitution guaranteeing justice and equality to every person, injustices continue to barge and bombard the lives of the women who are forced into prostitution.
Prof. Muslim Khan highlighted the importance of everyone taking individual steps to make a difference, and the importance of law and social justice. Dr. Masroor delivered the vote of thanks on the behalf of the Centre.
The programme was attended by a large number of students, scholars, and academics. It was an enriching experience for all those who were present — an experience that implored them to look around more actively, and ask questions, and do their bit and more.
