Ruchira Gupta

Ruchira Gupta is a multifaceted individual with a distinguished career spanning journalism, activism, and academia. She is currently a Professor of Practice at New York University, where she teaches at the Center for Global Affairs.12

Professional Background

Journalism and Activism:: Ruchira is an Emmy-winning journalist who has made significant contributions to the fight against human trafficking.1 Her documentary "The Selling of Innocents," which exposed sex trafficking in Nepal and India, earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism.1

NGO Founder:: Following her journalistic work, Ruchira founded Apne Aap, an anti-sex trafficking NGO that empowers women and girls to exit systems of prostitution.12 This organization has become a cornerstone of her activism.

International Experience:: Ruchira has worked extensively with the United Nations in various countries, including Nepal, Thailand, Kosovo, Iran, and the USA.12

Academic Contributions

At New York University, Ruchira serves as a visiting faculty member, sharing her expertise in global affairs and human rights.12 Her academic involvement extends beyond teaching, as she holds a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Smith College.1

Literary Works

Ruchira has made significant contributions to literature, including:

• Co-authoring "As if Women Matter" with Gloria Steinem
• Editing two anthologies: "River of Flesh" and "Renu's letters to Birju Babu"
• Publishing her debut fiction novel, "I Kick and I Fly"13

Awards and Recognition

Her work has been widely recognized, earning her several prestigious awards:

• French Ordre National du Mérite
• Clinton Global Citizen Award
• UN NGO CSW Woman of Distinction12

Ruchira Gupta continues to divide her time between New York, where she teaches, and Forbesganj, her childhood home in the foothills of the Himalayas, where she furthers the work of Apne Aap.12