After graduating from the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Anita Ratnam was among other pioneers in the 1980s who had the determination and tenacity to start organisations to address issues confronting Indian society. She founded, and has been steering Samvada as Executive Director, over the last 30 years.
From writing academic papers to columns for newspapers, travelling to Pakistan with a group of students from India, to conducting discussions with young girls on the politics of marriage in Bangalore colleges, to writing short stories and research reports, alongside innovative proposals and reports, Anita has worn multiple hats – that of a scholar, writer, trainer, activist, and mentor. Anita brings to Samvada her creativity, warmth, and incisiveness.
As Executive Director of Samvada, she has, over the years, brought together an interesting and diverse team, constantly reinvented the organisation to keep it relevant, nimble and responsive to the changing needs of young people in Indian society.