Ep 82 : From Grassroots to Governance: Vinita Gursahani Singh’s Quest for Empowerment and Freedom Through Constitutional Values

Atalanta Diaries Breakthrough Women in Conversation with Enma Popli

Vinita Gursahani Singh is the Founder and Managing Trustee of We, The People Abhiyan, and she has dedicated over 28 years to advancing social development in India, with a focus on livelihoods, human rights, and active citizenship. Her work is grounded in the belief that empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to address their own challenges is crucial for societal progress.

Vinita naturally excels in exploring issues and solutions through active dialogue and consultation, striving to build meaningful engagements with stakeholders at all levels—from grassroots communities to government agencies, corporations, and civil society organizations. Over the past 25 years, she has worked tirelessly to educate and inspire citizens to understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities, fostering a deep pride in democratic values.

With a management degree from SP Jain Institute in Mumbai and an MSc in Social Policy from the London School of Economics, Vinita blends academic knowledge with hands-on experience to drive impactful change in India through the Constitution.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Social cohesion and solidarity.
• Feeling fear, holding on to faith.
• Celebrating success, even the smallest wins.
• Navigating risks when challenging the machinery.
• Discrimination against women remains a real issue.
• Constitution is a long word and an incredibly powerful word.
• The State is a duty holder; citizens need to challenge for access.
• Believing in the goodness of people is an important state of mind.
• With the right information and mindset, transformation is possible.
• Challenge ourselves to take ownership and bring our voices forward.
• When one's back is to the wall, there's only one way, and that's forward.
• Demonstrating, to inspire Gen Z to consider a career in the social sector.
• Professional commitments and personal life, not trying to strike a balance.
• Lack of access is a barrier; even with the desire to make a change, possibilities remain unknown.
• Independence provided us with political democracy, but social democracy requires people to change for themselves and others.
• The Constitution empowers us to make a difference and bring our own voices to the table.
• Once you open someone's mind, you have to accept their perspective.

Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:

>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/

Visit Enma Popli's website

>> http://www.enmapopli.com/