Rupa Kumar's small stature, gentle nature, and peaceful and quiet
demeanor give no hint of the determination, dedication, and power with which she
transforms her work into the causes of social justice and human rights.Rupa Kumar was born in the city of
Madurai, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. She has three bachelor's degrees (in Tamil literature, South India
culture, and education) and two master's degrees (in Tamil literature and social
work). Her hobby of writing Tamil songs of social awareness and justice hints of the
passion in her character. Studying has qualified her, but that which motivates her
has not been learned in any school.
Though the Tamil State in India has a long and proud history of
cultural evolution, some problems still exist. The dowry system, where money and
assets accompany the bride at marriage, has contributed to human rights abuses on a scale
that is hard to imagine. The financial burden of a daughter on the family has led to
suffering and countless infant girl-child deaths. Married women are often abused,
beaten, and even burned to pressure their families to honor dowry pledges. If a wife
dies, the husband keeps the dowry and is free to marry again. Though repulsive to
many Indians, this is tolerated social behavior. The rights of the girl-child are
generally not considered the responsibility of the government, and the wife abuse has
traditionally been viewed as a "personal problem." Women have no other option
but to endure the suffering. The girl-child cannot defend herself.
Rupa "plowed new ground" by establishing one of the first
shelters for women and children in a country of 850 million people. Rupa and her
husband, Sam, have two children, Cordelia, and Daniel. They stand up as a family
for the rights of the disadvantaged in their society. They choose to challenge
their cultural heritage and work for the physically and mentally challenged, the
girl-child, and women. Because of this stand they pay a price--for their safety, Cordelia
and Daniel must live in another city.
Half of the hundreds who have taken refuge from family violence in
the CORDI Women's Shelter, which Rupa founded, did so to escape dowry-related abuse.
At the shelter they find understanding, counseling, and job skills training in a warm,
compassionate, and safe environment. Rupa also founded an educational street theater
company. This medium reaches into community life to help stem the tide of abuse and
injustice where it begins.
In 1995, Rupa received "The Best Social Worker's Award"
from the Government of the State of Tamil Nadu "for taking the highest risk (for
personal life and safety) in the process of offering protection to women in abusive
situations."
It is with the utmost respect and admiration that we acknowledge and
honor Rupa Kumar for her courage and devotion to God and his people.
