Mangaluru: School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya held a felicitation programme for its Alumnae Dr Sunitha Krishnan for being awarded with the Padma Shri award for her tremendous work in rescuing victims of sex trafficking. The programme was held at the College auditorium here on February 4.
The programme began with an invocation. Principal Dr Sophia welcomed the gathering. Dr Sunitha was felicitated on the occasion. Prof Shobhana read out the citation.
Addressing the gathering Dr Sunitha said that the Roshni Nilaya campus had moulded her to face the world. Sharing her bitter experience she said that she had been gang raped at the age of 15, and she was living with the pain. Later when she joined Roshni Nilaya she did not share her plight with anyone. While she was studying in Roshni she got unconditional love from the lecturers which made her to set her goal and vision to bring changes in the society. Later when she completed her education in Roshni Nilaya some of the Lecturers came to know of her past.
She further said, “Today if I have achieved anything in life that is because of Roshni Nilaya and the lecturers who had showed their unconditional love towards me. I am thankful to my alma-mater for the courage they have instilled in me. I salute my lecturers and the college who made me what I am today”.
She also said, “Many a times people have attempted to attack me because of my work. I have rescued more than 15,600 girls, who were forced into prostitution. Some people killed one of my team member and they beat me up. Life is very precious and we have to live it to the fullest by helping others. The award has been bestowed on me for my fight for justice”.
Dean of Roshni Nilaya Rameela Shekar speaking on the occasion said, “Sunitha you are very precious to us. You have brought laurels to our college by winning the Padma Shri award. We are with you and God bless you to continue your yeomen service towards the marginalized and the voiceless.
Director Dr Philomena D’Souza, Registrar Dr L N Bhat and others were also present.