Urvashi Butalia

Urvashi Butalia, born in nineteen fifty-two, is a prominent Indian feminist writer, publisher, and activist. Her contributions to the women's movement in India are significant, particularly through her acclaimed works such as 'The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India' and 'Speaking Peace: Women's Voices from Kashmir'.

In nineteen eighty-four, she co-founded Kali for Women, which holds the distinction of being India's first feminist publishing house. This initiative marked a pivotal moment in the landscape of Indian literature, providing a platform for women's voices and narratives.

Butalia's commitment to empowering women through literature continued with the establishment of Zubaan Books in two thousand three, an imprint of Kali for Women that further amplifies women's stories and perspectives.

Her dedication to literature and education has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri award, which she received in two thousand eleven alongside Ritu Menon for their outstanding contributions to the field.

Currently, Urvashi Butalia serves as a visiting professor at Ashoka University, where she continues to inspire and educate the next generation of thinkers and writers.