Vandana Shiva

Vandana Shiva, born on November 5, 1952, is a prominent Indian scholar, environmental activist, and advocate for food sovereignty, known for her staunch opposition to globalization and genetic modification in agriculture. Residing in Delhi, Shiva has authored over twenty influential books, earning her the moniker "Gandhi of grain" due to her dedication to the anti-GMO movement.

Shiva plays a significant role in the International Forum on Globalization, collaborating with notable figures such as Jerry Mander and Ralph Nader. Her activism emphasizes the importance of traditional agricultural practices, as highlighted in her contributions to the book "Vedic Ecology." She is also involved with the scientific committee of Fundación IDEAS, a think tank linked to Spain's Socialist Party, and is a member of the International Organization for a Participatory Society.

Raised in Dehradun by a father who was a forest conservator and a mother who was passionate about farming, Shiva was educated at esteemed institutions including St. Mary's Convent High School and the Convent of Jesus and Mary. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physics from Punjab University in 1972, later obtaining a master's degree in the philosophy of science from the University of Guelph and a PhD from the University of Western Ontario, where she researched quantum theory.

In 1982, Shiva established the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, leading to the creation of Navdanya in 1991—a national initiative aimed at preserving biodiversity and promoting organic farming. Navdanya has set up over 40 seed banks across India, fostering agricultural diversity and empowering farmers. In 2004, she launched Bija Vidyapeeth, an international college for sustainable living in Uttarakhand, furthering her commitment to environmental education and activism.