Sunitha Krishnan is one of India’s most respected social activists. She is known for her fearless fight against sex trafficking and her lifelong commitment to protecting women and children. As the co-founder of Prajwala, one of the world’s largest anti-human trafficking organizations, her work has changed thousands of lives. This detailed biography explains her background, career journey, personal life, age, and net worth.
Biography of Sunitha Krishnan
Sunitha Krishnan was born in 1972 in Bangalore, India. She comes from a Palakkad Malayali family. Her father, Raju Krishnan, worked with the Department of Survey of India, and her mother is Nalini Krishnan. Because of her father’s job, Sunitha traveled across many parts of India during her childhood. This early exposure helped her understand the struggles of people from different regions and backgrounds.
From a very young age, Sunitha showed a deep concern for others. At just eight years old, she began teaching dance to mentally challenged children. By the age of twelve, she was already running small schools in slum areas to educate underprivileged children. Her passion for social work was clear even before her teenage years.
A tragic incident at the age of fifteen changed her life forever. While working on a neo-literacy campaign for the Dalit community, Sunitha was gang raped by eight men. The attackers opposed her presence in what they described as a “man’s society.” She was brutally beaten and suffered permanent damage, becoming partially deaf in one ear. Instead of breaking her spirit, this horrific experience became the driving force behind her lifelong mission to fight sexual violence and exploitation.
Sunitha studied in Central Government Schools in Bangalore and Bhutan. She later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. Determined to work directly with vulnerable communities, she completed her Master of Social Work (Medical and Psychiatric) at Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work, Mangalore.
Career and Social Activism
Sunitha Krishnan’s professional journey is deeply rooted in social justice and human rights. After completing her studies, she moved to Hyderabad to work with Poverty Intervention Network (PIN) as a coordinator for young women’s programs. During this time, she became actively involved in housing rights and led protests when slum dwellers near the Musi River faced eviction.
In 1996, Sunitha met Brother Jose Vetticatil, Director of Boys’ Town, Hyderabad. This meeting proved to be life-changing. That same year, sex workers from Mehboob ki Mehandi, a red-light area in Hyderabad, were evicted, leaving thousands of women homeless and vulnerable. Sunitha and Brother Jose decided to act.
Together, they founded Prajwala, an organization dedicated to fighting sex trafficking. They started a transition school in a vacated brothel to protect children of sex workers from being trafficked. In the early years, Sunitha faced extreme financial hardship. She sold her jewelry and even household utensils to keep the organization running.
Today, Prajwala operates on five strong pillars: prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and advocacy. The organization provides legal, medical, psychological, and social support to survivors while also working to bring traffickers to justice. Prajwala has rescued and rehabilitated over 28,600 survivors, making it the largest anti-trafficking shelter in the world.
Sunitha also leads economic rehabilitation programs, training survivors in skills such as carpentry, welding, printing, masonry, and housekeeping. These skills help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
She has worked closely with police departments, Women Protection Cells, and Anti-Human Trafficking Units. Her efforts have helped secure the conviction of more than 150 traffickers. She also started the first Crisis Counseling Centre inside a police station in Afzalgunj, Hyderabad, creating a model for Police–NGO collaboration.
Beyond grassroots work, Sunitha has played a major role in shaping public policy. She drafted rehabilitation policies for trafficking victims in Andhra Pradesh and contributed to India’s 2013 anti-rape law. She also led major awareness campaigns, including “Men Against Demand”, with the powerful slogan “Real Men Don’t Buy Sex,” which reached over 1.8 billion people worldwide.
Her advocacy extends globally. She has spoken at TED India, universities in the United States, corporate conferences, and international forums, inspiring millions to take action against trafficking.
Personal Life
Despite her demanding work, Sunitha Krishnan has built a supportive personal life. She is married to Rajesh Touchriver, an Indian filmmaker, scriptwriter, and art director. Rajesh has collaborated with Prajwala on several impactful films focused on social issues.
One of their most notable films, “Anamika – The Nameless,” became part of the curriculum at the National Police Academy. Another film, “Naa Bangaaru Talli,” won three National Film Awards in 2014 and several international honors. Through films and documentaries, Sunitha uses storytelling as a tool to expose the realities of sex trafficking.
Sunitha lives a life of simplicity and purpose. She runs Prajwala as a full-time volunteer and does not draw a salary from the organization. She supports herself through writing books and delivering lectures and seminars around the world.
Her work has not been without danger. She has been physically attacked 14 times, faced acid attacks, poisoning attempts, and constant death threats. Yet, she remains firm in her mission, stating that these threats have only strengthened her resolve.
Age and Net Worth
As of 2025, Sunitha Krishnan is 52–53 years old, having been born in 1972.
When it comes to net worth, Sunitha Krishnan does not live a wealthy lifestyle. There is no publicly confirmed figure for her net worth. This is mainly because she dedicates her life to social service rather than personal financial gain. She does not earn from Prajwala and chooses to live modestly. Any income she earns comes from book royalties, public speaking, and seminars, most of which supports her personal needs and advocacy work.
Her true wealth lies in the lives she has saved, the survivors she has empowered, and the global awareness she has created around human trafficking.
Conclusion
Sunitha Krishnan’s life is a powerful story of courage, resilience, and purpose. From surviving a brutal assault as a teenager to becoming one of India’s strongest voices against sex trafficking, her journey is deeply inspiring. Through Prajwala, she has rescued tens of thousands of victims and influenced laws, policies, and public attitudes. Her work reminds the world that one person’s determination can create lasting change. Sunitha Krishnan is not just a social activist; she is a symbol of hope, justice, and human dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Sunitha Krishnan?
Sunitha Krishnan is an Indian social activist and the co-founder of Prajwala, an NGO that rescues and rehabilitates victims of sex trafficking.
2. What is Sunitha Krishnan famous for?
She is famous for her work against human trafficking and for founding Prajwala, one of the largest anti-trafficking organizations in the world.
3. How old is Sunitha Krishnan?
Sunitha Krishnan was born in 1972 and is currently 52–53 years old.
4. Is Sunitha Krishnan married?
Yes, she is married to Rajesh Touchriver, an Indian filmmaker and scriptwriter.
5. What awards has Sunitha Krishnan received?
She has received many awards, including the Padma Shri (2016), Ashoka Fellowship, CNN-IBN Real Hero Award, and several international human rights honors.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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