Remembering Vipula Kadri - An appreciation by Dr. P.M. Nair, Project Coordinator, UNODC (Anti Human Trafficking)

Mrs. Vipula Kadri, a pioneer in anti-human-trafficking in India, passed away on Tuesday 24th. April 2007.
	UNODC was privileged to be associated with "VK", as she was popularly known, especially through our active association with STCI and WISE which are our training partners on our police training project in Maharashtra and Goa. At a time when there was all round reluctance to recognize trafficking as a serious issue of human rights, Mrs. Kadri was able to secure the highest level of political commitment in the state of Maharashtra. A missionary in the cause of anti-trafficking and renowned philanthropist, she founded and remained the leading force behind three prestigious social organizations: Save the Children - India (STCI), the Women's Institute for Social Education (WISE) and PRIDE India. Vipula-ji was a pioneer in bridging the gap between civil society and the corporate sector being one of the first civil society organizers to have an excellent relationship with the corporate sector. Her networking in this area continues to benefit all others in the fight for social justice.
She was both passionate and pragmatic. She brought in anti-trafficking players from all over India - from small grassroots organizations like Savdhan to large USAID-funded projects like CEDPA together. She had created a network of NGOs all over India, many of which she supported with seed money, exposure and training. Vipula-ji symbolized spirit, energy and hope. She provided comfort and support to activists and organizations at the grassroots and took up their cause at the top-most level. Today the anti trafficking movement feels 'stronger' because of the immense contribution made by her. It is difficult to accept that we will never hear her voice or see her again and that she will no longer be a part of all the processes that she so painstakingly created over these years. Our deepest condolences therefore go out to the Vipula-ji's family, friends and her extended family in STCI, WISE and PRIDE (India). We, in UNODC, will miss her dynamism and commitment. We will miss her warmth and concern. The anti-human-trafficking network will forever be indebted to her for her support, her encouraging spirit, and her genuine love.