V. Mohini Giri


Dr. V. Mohini Giri is an Indian Community service worker and activist, who has been Chairperson of the Guild of Service, a New Delhi-based social service organization. Established in 1979, it provides advocacy for women's and children rights for education, employment, and financial security. She founded War Widows Association, New Delhi in 1972. She has also remained Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.
In 2007, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, given by Government of India.

Early life and background

Born in Lucknow to scholar Dr. V. S Ram, she graduated from Lucknow University, followed by post graduation in Ancient Indian history from University of Delhi, and a doctorate from G.B. Pant University.
Giri is the daughter-in-law of V. V. Giri, former President of India.

Career

Giri started her career as an academic and established the women's studies department at Lucknow University. Giri has been the Founder President of the War Widows Association which was formed in 1972 after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
and in 2000 became the Founder Trustee of the Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia.
She is also a board member of The Hunger Project, a New York-based international charity.