Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi is Visiting Senior Fellow at IMPRI. Lenin Raghuvanshi stands as a prominent Indian Dalit rights activist, political thinker, and social entrepreneur, contributing significantly to the empowerment of marginalized communities. A founding member of the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Raghuvanshi has devoted his career to uplifting those at the fringes of society. His impactful efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by numerous prestigious awards bestowed upon him.

Among these accolades are the Gwangju Human Rights Award in 2007, the ACHA Star Peace Award in 2008, and the International Human Rights Prize of the city of Weimar in 2010. The French Republic recognized his work with the Special Mentions Prize of Human Rights in 2018, and he received the Public Peace Prize the same year. The Karmaveer Maharatna Award further honored Raghuvanshi’s dedication in 2019, solidifying his status as a relentless advocate for human rights.

Notably, Raghuvanshi’s commitment to combatting masculinity-driven militarist traditions has earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. His tireless contributions to promoting peace globally and acting as a driving force against the use of masculinity-driven militarist traditions in warfare and conflict showcase his exceptional dedication.

A testament to the impact of his early experiences, Raghuvanshi’s childhood insights into hegemonic masculinity have been acknowledged by renowned film actor Aamir Khan. This recognition led to his participation in the Satyamev Jayate TV series, hosted by Khan in 2014. The show focused on issues of violence and hegemonic masculinity, providing a platform for Raghuvanshi to share his invaluable perspectives on creating a more just and peaceful world.