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 Maneka
Gandhi is of one of modern India's most remarkable figures,
equally loved and feared. She is a leading environmentalist,
a foremost animal activist and a crusader for vegetarianism.
She is also an author, political commentator, columnist,
television and radio personality, Member of Parliament
and Minister in the Union government.
Maneka
Gandhi's books reveal a multidimensional personality.
They range from children's stories in Indian mythology,
animal quiz books, vegetarianism, Hindu and Muslim etymology,
a law manual, a medial guide and treatises on animal
activism. She has written a play as well as the lyrics
of a rap song!
Branching
out into television, Maneka Gandhi created a unique
media watch programme that critically evaluated newspaper
reportage. From there she went on to write and host
environmental capsules on simple solutions to change
the world. Heads & Tails, her animal rights
programme, is telecast on Doordarshan
in both Hindi and English. It has influenced a whole
generation and spawned the animal rights movement in
India. Founder-Trustee of People for Animals,
India's largest animal welfare organisation, she runs
shelters in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chennai, Guwahati, Gwalior,
Bangalore, Goa and Calcutta.
Often
accused of putting animals above people, few know that
Maneka Gandhi is Chairperson of Rugmark, an organisaton
that works to rescue and rehabilitate child labour in
the carpet industry. As India's Social Welfare Minister,
she simplified and shortened procedures. Controversy
follows her everywhere because of her strong stands
and no-nonsense attitude.
Maneka
Gandhi has in many ways changed the face of modern India.
She has won landmark decisions in environment and animal
protection. She has passed pathbreaking legislation
protecting coastal areas and historical buildings. She
laid the legal basis for environmental tribunals and
initiated the ecomark scheme for environment-friendly
products. Internationally, she negotiated the Montreal
Protocol for India and brought about the Polluter
Pays system. She remains a member of the Schumacher
Committee, the Eurosolar Board and Wuppertal Institute
Board.
 Respected
around the world for her work, Maneka Gandhi has become
a role model for many young people as someone who dares
to care.
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