Social Advocacy
Before I knew words like feminism and secularism, my upbringing was innately liberal and inclusive.
Doing a Master's degree in Social Work may not necessarily make you a better social worker but it exposes you to various realities and issues. After my education, I joined an NGO called Ankur, where I worked with young girls in the slums of Delhi. And then it was Alarippu, which made learning and teaching fun for underprivileged schools. The more absorbed I was in my work, the more my privileges began to stare at me in the face. All I knew is that this is what I wanted to do.
In 1995, I stumbled upon acting and from there on, the way I engaged with social issues changed. Films gave me the opportunity to share my concerns, shed light on worthy initiatives and engage with decision makers and grassroots community workers alike. Through this journey I’ve met so many inspiring people who have helped me grow. I continue to be a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, social justice, issues of human rights, gender, LGBTQIA+, disability, HIV/ AIDS and environment. I have spoken about these issues at various forums, educational institutions, summits, events and have also written about them for various publications. I take on any opportunity to share and communicate my concerns. I know it is a drop in the ocean, but I hope every drop counts.
National Talks
Jan, 2022
Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, India
LGBTQIA- Transformation towards social acceptance.
Nov, 2020
FICCI Ladies Organisation, Hyderabad
An unequal world- the uncomfortable truth about discrimination
May, 2020
Bangalore International Centre, Bangalore
Behind the Camera: Nandita Das on being a female Director
Dec, 2020
Edelgive Event (Online)
Who’s voice is it anyway? Building for the gender narrative
Oct, 2020
The Chicago International Film Festival
Online Workshop
Aug, 2020
Thanith Thirai- Conversation with Sharda Ramanathan
Films, Social Advocacy and where the two meet
July, 2020
Outlook
Future of films, Women Directors and Speaking out
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From the Other Side with Raga D’silva
Behind the Camera: Nandita Das on being a female Director
International Talks
Aug, 2020
Indus Valley International Film Festival India
Closing remarks and interaction with filmmaker Harsh Narayan
Nov, 2015
Khayaal Creative network Lahore, Pakistan
Pushing the boundaries
Jul, 2015
Leading Wellbeing, University of Cumbria
Creativity for the common good
Nov, 2014
Development in Literacy, New York Gala, NYC
Keynote Speaker
Other Talks
Jan, 2022
Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, India
LGBTQIA- Transformation towards social acceptance.
Nov, 2020
FICCI Ladies Organisation, Hyderabad
An unequal world- the uncomfortable truth about discrimination
May, 2020
Bangalore International Centre, Bangalore
Behind the Camera: Nandita Das on being a female Director
Gallery
