🌐 Project Launch: Empower Survivor – From Testimony to Transformation

Website: http://empowersurvivor.com
Date: June 29, 2025

Honoring Gwangju’s Spirit, Healing Today’s Wounds

In 1980, the citizens of Gwangju, South Korea, rose against state oppression in what became known as the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Though met with brutal force, their sacrifice ignited a movement for democracy, peace, and human rights that transformed the soul of a nation.

Forty-five years later, their legacy crosses continents, finding resonance in India through the Empower Survivor initiative—a victim-centered platform led by Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN), with support from the Gwangju Human Rights Peace Foundation (GHRPF).

🛡️ About Empower Survivor

Project Title: Empowering Victims of Torture by Strengthening Victim Support and Building Information Bridges
Hosted by: Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN)
Supported by: Gwangju Human Rights Peace Foundation (GHRPF)
Platform: http://empowersurvivor.com
Project Duration: January–December 2025
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

🔍 Why Now?

Despite constitutional guarantees, survivors of torture and state violence in India—especially from Dalit, Adivasi, minority, and marginalized communities—continue to face silence, stigma, and systemic neglect. Empower Survivor provides a platform that transforms that silence into solidarity, testimony, and healing.

With India facing growing scrutiny from international human rights bodies and a shrinking space for civil society, this initiative is both timely and transformative.

🧩 Key Components

• 🌐 Connect+ Platform – ICT-powered support and learning hub

• 🎓 Capacity Building – Training for human rights defenders

• 🗣️ Testimonial Ceremonies – Healing through story

• 📚 Research & Policy Advocacy – Survivor-led knowledge production

🤝 About Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN) & PVCHR

Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN), established in 1999, is a grassroots trust working to uphold justice, human dignity, and constitutional values for marginalized communities in India. It is the institutional wing of People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)—a mass-based movement founded by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi.

• 🌍 JMN holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC, enabling it to advocate for victims at global human rights platforms.

• 📢 PVCHR has directly intervened in over 10,000 cases of torture and injustice since its founding.

• 🤝 Collaborations include UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, IRCT, and international networks across Asia, Europe, and North America.

👤 About Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi – Project Coordinator

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi is a globally recognized human rights defender, Ashoka Fellow, and founder of PVCHR. He has pioneered the testimonial therapy model in India and led international advocacy against torture and caste-based violence.

• 🏅 Recipient of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights (2007)

• 🌐 Former member of the NGO Core Group of India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

• 📚 Editor of Reformist Approaches to Human Rights (2024), launched in collaboration with Shoolini University

👥 Project Advisors

✍️ Shruti Nagvanshi

Managing Trustee, JMN

Award-winning human rights activist and gender justice advocate. She has led programs on maternal health, child rights, and caste equity for over two decades. Recognized with the Rex Karmaveer Chakra (Silver) and Public Peace Prize.

🧠 Dr. Mohanlal Panda

Advisor, Jan Mitra Nyas

PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr. Panda is an expert in human rights, governance, and conflict resolution. Formerly with PHDCCI and Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, he now leads JMN’s strategy, research, and monitoring initiatives.

📰 Abhishek Srivastava

Associate Editor, India Quarterly

Published by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), India’s oldest foreign policy think-tank. A leading voice on international affairs and a strategic advisor on the communications dimension of this project.

✊ About the Gwangju Human Rights Peace Foundation (GHRPF)

Established by the legacy of the May 18 Uprising, GHRPF supports global initiatives in human rights, peace, democracy, and solidarity.

• 🌏 Funds projects worldwide that promote transitional justice, survivor empowerment, and memory activism

• 🕊️ Engages with grassroots partners like JMN to amplify survivor voices

• 💡 Inspired by the idea that “democracy grows through sacrifice” and that remembrance is the first step toward reconciliation

🙌 Our Youth Volunteers (Pro Bono Team)

• Khushi Yadav – B.A. LLB, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith

• Aditya Mishra – B.A. LLB, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith

• Sanjana Shukla – MSW, University of Lucknow

• Ankit Singh – MSW, Delhi School of Social Work (University of Delhi)

🌟 The Vision Ahead

Empower Survivor is more than a project—it's a movement for healing, justice, and resilience. By combining digital platforms, survivor narratives, trauma care, and legal action, it paves the way for a future where victims are not abandoned, but empowered to rebuild.

“We aim to ensure that every survivor becomes a voice for justice, a leader in their community, and a symbol of human dignity restored.”

– Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi

🔗 Learn More

🖥️ Visit: http://empowersurvivor.com
📧 Email: shruti@pvchr.asia
🔎 Jan Mitra Nyas: https://janmitranyas.in

#EmpowerSurvivor #GwangjuUprising #HumanRights #StopTorture #JusticeForSurvivors #ConnectPlus #LeninRaghuvanshi #ShrutiNagvanshi #PVCHR #ECOSOC #May18Spirit #TransitionalJustice #IndiaKoreaSolidarity #YouthForJustice

 

🎨 Art Against Torture: Youth Voice Through Visual Expression

By PVCHR
Date: June 29, 2025

On the occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June), PVCHR extended its advocacy beyond words—into the realm of art.

Among the powerful visual statements created to honor this day, one stood out with quiet force: a hand-drawn poster by Sanjana Shukla, a Master of Social Work (MSW) 2nd-year student from the Department of Social Work, University of Lucknow. Her poster became a visual embodiment of resistance and hope, amplifying PVCHR’s message through the lens of youth creativity.

“No one ever has the right to hurt you or torture you. Even in detention, your human dignity has to be respected.”

This was not just a poster. It was a statement, a protest, and a promise to stand with survivors.

🖌️ Art as a Tool for Change

Art has long played a vital role in human rights movements. It has the power to communicate where words fall short, to touch hearts, and to awaken conscience. Sanjana’s posters—created as part of PVCHR’s initiative—are reminders that resistance is not always loud. Sometimes it comes in color, contrast, and carefully chosen words.

These visuals were displayed at PVCHR’s office in Varanasi during the June 26 observance. They served not only as educational tools but also as acts of solidarity with victims and condemnation of torture in all forms.

✊ PVCHR and the Fight Against Torture

PVCHR (People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights) has been at the forefront of anti-torture advocacy in India, using testimonial campaigns, legal support, community mobilization, and now creative expression to push for systemic change.

Founder Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi believes that “the silence around torture must be broken not only with facts but with feelings—and art helps us do that.”

In a country still awaiting full ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture, initiatives like these are crucial in keeping the conversation alive and visible.

🔗 Learn More

Read PVCHR’s full reflection on the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture:

➡️ Towards a Torture-Free Society: A Call for Justice, Humanity, and Reform

🙌 A Salute to Young Changemakers

PVCHR proudly recognizes Sanjana Shukla for her meaningful contribution. Her art reflects the spirit of the next generation of human rights defenders: informed, empathetic, and unafraid to speak through their work.

As we move forward, let us continue to blend creativity and conscience, and raise our voices—in every form—for a world without torture.

🕊️ Stand for dignity. Support survivor voices. Let art speak truth to power.

#StopTorture #PVCHR #ArtForJustice #UNDayAgainstTorture #HumanRights #YouthVoices #SanjanaShukla #MSW #UniversityOfLucknow #TortureFreeWorld #LeninRaghuvanshi #TestimonialCampaign #BreakTheSilence

🕊️ Towards a Torture-Free Society 🕊️

 🕊️ Towards a Torture-Free Society 🕊️

On #UNDayInSupportOfVictimsOfTorture, we reaffirm our commitment to dignity, justice, and non-violence.

Read how PVCHR is challenging impunity, amplifying survivor voices, and building a torture-free future.

📖 Blog: https://testimonialhealing.blogspot.com/2025/06/towards-torture-free-society-call-for.html
#JusticeForSurvivors #StopTorture #HumanRights #PVCHR #LeninRaghuvanshi #Ahimsa #IndiaAgainstTorture #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #TestimonialCampaign #UNDay #HumanDignity #TortureFreeWorld #NHRCIndia

🌍 Standing Up for Justice: Young Legal Voices Speak on Torture in India

 

🌍 Standing Up for Justice: Young Legal Voices Speak on Torture in India

By PVCHR Blog Team

On the occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, PVCHR proudly acknowledges the powerful presentation delivered by Aditya Mishra and Ms. Khushi Yadav, both second-year BA LLB students at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth University. Their commitment to human rights and legal empowerment was evident as they boldly addressed the grim reality of torture in India, calling for urgent reforms and societal solidarity.

🔍 Torture: A Crime, Not a Culture

The duo began by defining torture through the lens of the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)—an act inflicting severe pain, often under official sanction, used to punish or extract information. Their presentation emphasized that torture thrives in the shadows, especially when ignorance and fear dominate the legal landscape.

📉 Torture in India: A Crisis of Accountability

The students highlighted stark statistics:

• Over 2,300 custodial deaths in a single year, with five people dying in custody every day.

• Uttar Pradesh leading in custodial deaths and fake encounters.

Real-life cases like Vijay Soni from Kaushambi and Sahiba Bano from Sonbhadra were shared—heartbreaking stories of abuse, silence, and systemic failure. These stories were not exceptions but chilling indicators of a broader pattern of injustice.

⚖️ Legal Protections: Know Your Rights

Aditya and Khushi skillfully unpacked the constitutional and legal framework meant to protect citizens:

• Article 21 – Right to life and dignity.

• Article 22 – Right to legal counsel and prompt judicial oversight.

• Section 330/331 of IPC (now BNS) – Penalizing torture during interrogation.

• NHRC Guidelines and DK Basu judgment – Mandating protocols for custody and arrest.

Despite these safeguards, the gap between law and implementation remains dangerously wide.

🌐 A Call for Change

India has signed but not yet ratified UNCAT, and has yet to enact a standalone anti-torture law. The students called for:

• Ratification of UNCAT

• Police accountability and transparency

• Enforcing DK Basu guidelines

• Legal aid and awareness campaigns at the grassroots

🕯️ From Custody to Courtroom—Not Coffin

Their message was crystal clear: "This day is not about shaming the police. It’s about stopping the misuse of power." The final takeaway—let us ensure no more Vijay Sonis, only empowered citizens who know their rights and live with dignity.

At the heart of PVCHR’s mission, we witness young changemakers like Aditya Mishra and Khushi Yadav transform legal knowledge into powerful advocacy.

Their bold stand against custodial torture reminds us that true justice begins not in silence, but in solidarity.

As we observe June 26—UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture—we reaffirm our pledge:

To remember is not enough. We must act.

👏 A Salute to Young Changemakers

PVCHR applauds Aditya Mishra and Ms. Khushi Yadav for using their legal education as a tool for advocacy and awareness. Their voice adds strength to our collective struggle against custodial torture and impunity. As we mark June 26, we invite everyone to stand with victims—not just in memory, but in action.

#JusticeMatters #EndTorture #PVCHR #LegalEmpowerment #UNDayAgainstTorture

UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (PVCHR) by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

Hope Against False Implication: A Success Story in the Indian System

Hope Against False Implication: A Success Story in the Indian System

How a Father’s Fight and Civil Society Support Sparked a Ray of Justice in Rural India

In the labyrinth of India’s criminal justice system, where marginalized communities often face systemic bias, the story of Chakradhari Yadav and his son Pradyumn emerges as a remarkable example of resistance, resilience, and reform. It underscores how grassroots courage, civil society intervention, and the Indian judiciary can together serve as a force of justice—even in the face of institutional overreach.

                                                    Part of Honour Cermony 

                                 Mrs. Chhaya Provided Psychosocial support at PVCHR office 

The Context: A Father's Dream, a Son’s Aspiration

Chakradhari Yadav is a 51-year-old farmer from Madi village in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh. Belonging to the Yadav (Ahir) caste, a traditionally marginalized community, Chakradhari lived a modest life sustained by agriculture. He invested all his resources—land, savings, and borrowed money—into the education of his youngest son, Pradyumn, who earned a place at Lokmanya Tilak Medical College in Mumbai to study MBBS. For the family, this achievement was not just personal; it symbolized breaking the generational cycle of poverty and social exclusion.

But on Diwali night, an unexpected incident changed everything.

The Incident: From Compassion to Criminalization

That night, Chakradhari was woken up by his son saying that someone had fallen off a motorcycle. Responding with compassion, he went to the scene, where a crowd had gathered. The injured youth, Suraj Gautam, was taken to the hospital and eventually to BHU Trauma Centre in Varanasi. Tragically, after 22 days of treatment, Suraj passed away.

What followed was a nightmare for the Yadav family.

Though there was no FIR against Chakradhari or his son, police harassment began within days. Officers began raiding their home, intimidating the family, and asking for Pradyumn. Despite clear proof that Pradyumn was in Mumbai, police remained relentless.

In a disturbing turn, a police team traveled to Mumbai, and without a warrant or informing the family, misled college authorities and detained Pradyumn, bringing him back to Uttar Pradesh. He was produced in court under false charges and jailed under the SC/ST Act, even though the circumstances of the original accident had no proven link to him.

Worse still, an officer told Chakradhari directly:

“We will not let your son become an MBBS doctor.”

The Intervention: PVCHR’s Psychosocial-Legal Framework

At this critical point, People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) intervened. Under the project 993-DA-2, supported by the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, PVCHR brought a comprehensive psycho-legal framework to support the family.

Their approach included:

• Testimonial Therapy: A cross-cultural healing method where the survivor narrates their story, which is documented and publicly delivered in a community ceremony. This not only aids emotional healing but restores the survivor's social dignity.

• Meta-Legal Aid: Legal empowerment that connects communities with existing legal mechanisms, filing petitions, and mobilizing institutional support.

• Advocacy: Appeals to the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (UPSLSA) and broader awareness campaigns to highlight the injustice.

This multi-pronged support helped the family withstand the psychological trauma and legal hurdles. Pradyumn’s story, rooted in facts and supported by college records, CCTV evidence, and witness contradictions, was finally heard in the right forum.

The Outcome: Justice through the Indian Legal System

After weeks of advocacy and legal coordination, the Honorable High Court of Uttar Pradesh granted bail to Pradyumn, acknowledging the gaps in the case and the questionable conduct of the police. Though the legal battle is ongoing, the decision allowed Pradyumn to resume his education and brought temporary relief to the family.

This small but significant victory illustrates that even within flawed systems, justice can prevail when truth is pursued persistently and civil society plays its role effectively.

Why This Story Matters

This case is not an isolated incident. Across India, especially among marginalized communities, many are falsely implicated due to caste-based bias, weak policing, or pressure from influential parties. Often, the poor cannot fight back due to lack of knowledge, fear, or resources.

The Yadav family's case offers a blueprint of hope:

• Civil society organizations like PVCHR can provide essential psychosocial and legal support.

• Testimonial therapy and community healing can empower victims to speak out.

• The Indian judiciary, when engaged effectively, can correct course and deliver justice.

Conclusion: A System Worth Fighting For

Chakradhari Yadav’s words echo the soul of this story:

“This is not just about my son—it’s about justice for every poor father whose voice is silenced.”

In a system that often appears unkind to the vulnerable, this success story rekindles belief in constitutional values and human dignity. It also reinforces that with persistence, support, and faith in the law, even the most powerless can find justice in India.

Link of Testimony and petition: https://testimonialhealing.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-station-house-officer-said-we-will.html

A conversation with the survivor and his father following the survivor's release from jail.

Interview by Mrs. Chhaya; video by Ankit Singh, MSW (3rd semester) student at Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi, and intern at PVCHR:.

#JusticeForPradyumn #HopeInJustice #LetHimBeADoctor #StopFalseImplication #HumanRightsIndia #PVCHR #UNVFVT #PsychoLegalSupport #DignityAndJustice #SurvivorsSpeak

Lenin Raghuvanshi: A Vanguard for Sustainable Peace and Justice

 Lenin Raghuvanshi: A Vanguard for Sustainable Peace and Justice

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi is a renowned Indian Dalit rights activist, political thinker, and social entrepreneur whose lifelong commitment to non-violent activism has made him a global symbol of sustainable peace and justice. As the founder and convenor of the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Raghuvanshi has dedicated over three decades to uplifting marginalized communities, particularly Dalits and Adivasis, in India’s caste-ridden society. His work transcends traditional activism by integrating grassroots empowerment, policy advocacy, and global collaboration to foster inclusive societies, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Early Life and Ideological Foundations

Born into a higher-caste Hindu family, Raghuvanshi rejected the “feudal” structures of caste from an early age, sowing the seeds for his activism. Trained in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and surgery, he chose a path of social justice over a conventional medical career. By age 23, he was president of the Uttar Pradesh section of the United Nations Youth Organization, advocating for the rights of bonded laborers and marginalized groups. In 1996, he co-founded PVCHR in Varanasi, a non-governmental organization focused on breaking the cycle of caste-based discrimination, poverty, and violence through participatory activism rooted in non-violence, equity, and justice.

PVCHR: A Model for Grassroots Empowerment

PVCHR, under Raghuvanshi’s leadership, has grown into a robust network with over 72,000 members, addressing systemic issues like bonded labor, torture, and caste discrimination. The organization has freed approximately 40,000 bonded laborers and provided humanitarian support to 300,000 survivors of violence, emphasizing the “three Hs”: hope, honor, and human dignity. By training local leaders (aguwas) in 250 villages to combat human rights violations and provide psychological support, PVCHR empowers communities to challenge injustice non-violently. Initiatives like the “People-Friendly Village” model amplify marginalized voices, fostering vibrant, inclusive societies that prioritize justice and reconciliation.

Raghuvanshi’s approach is both practical and philosophical. He combines grassroots action with policy advocacy, moving from “practice to policy” to ensure systemic change. For instance, PVCHR’s campaigns have led to the elimination of feudal systems in over 200 villages and alleviated malnutrition in 700 villages, demonstrating measurable impact. His work also includes establishing over 50 community centers, creating safe spaces for dialogue and empowerment.

The Neo-Dalit Movement: Redefining Social Justice

Raghuvanshi’s vision extends beyond immediate relief to a broader, transformative movement known as Neo-Dalit. This inclusive coalition unites people across castes, religions, and backgrounds to dismantle caste-based discrimination and promote human dignity. Inspired by Indian spiritual leaders and global figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela, the Neo-Dalit movement challenges systemic inequalities and fosters a pluralistic, equitable future. It addresses intersecting issues like poverty, patriarchy, and caste, which Raghuvanshi identifies as root causes of torture and organized violence in India.

Contributions to Sustainable Peace

Raghuvanshi’s commitment to non-violent diplomacy aligns with SDG 16’s call for peaceful, inclusive societies. His participation in global platforms, such as the G20 Interfaith Summit 2023 and the Constitution and National Unity Conference 2024 in Karnataka, highlights his role in addressing global challenges like violent conflicts, inequality, and climate crises. At these forums, he advocates for constitutional consciousness, youth empowerment, and interfaith collaboration, emphasizing non-violence as “the only solution” for sustainable peace. His article, Safeguarding India’s Constitutional Essence: Confronting the Threat of Corporate Fascism, underscores the need to protect democratic ideals against corporate and militaristic encroachments.

Raghuvanshi’s work also intersects with art and activism. In December 2024, he engaged with Lebanese-American artist Chawky Frenn’s exhibition, We the (Discarded) People: Welfare or Warfare?, at Bharat Kala Bhawan. The exhibition critiqued militarism and corporate exploitation, resonating with Raghuvanshi’s advocacy for peace over profit. His interaction with Frenn and students at Banaras Hindu University’s Visual Voices for Peace exhibition further illustrates his belief in art as a tool for social change and democratic renewal.

Global Recognition and Impact

Raghuvanshi’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Gwangju Human Rights Award (2007), ACHA Star Peace Award (2008), International Human Rights Prize of Weimar (2010), and the Public Peace Prize (2018). He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 for his efforts to combat masculinity-driven militarism and promote peace. His work has been recognized by figures like Aamir Khan, who featured him on the TV series Satyamev Jayate to discuss hegemonic masculinity and violence. Raghuvanshi’s publications, such as Justice, Liberty, Equality: Dalits in Independent India, and contributions to international journals highlight systemic failures in protecting marginalized communities, amplifying his global influence.

Challenges and Resilience

Raghuvanshi’s journey has not been without resistance. He has faced opposition from authorities, politicians, and even his own caste and family, yet his “resistant vitality” has inspired global scholarship on Dalit rights. His ability to navigate these challenges through meticulous planning and non-violent resistance has made him a beacon of hope for millions. As noted in Leonardo Verzaro’s anthropological thesis, Raghuvanshi’s work embodies transformative activism, inspiring both local and global movements for justice.

Conclusion

Lenin Raghuvanshi’s work exemplifies the nexus of sustainable peace and justice. Through PVCHR and the Neo-Dalit movement, he has empowered marginalized communities, challenged systemic inequalities, and advocated for non-violent solutions to global crises. His integration of grassroots activism, policy advocacy, and cultural engagement offers a blueprint for achieving SDG 16’s vision of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. As Raghuvanshi continues to inspire through his writings, speeches, and actions, his legacy underscores the power of non-violence and human dignity in building a more equitable world.