Global Speaker Series Hosts Human Rights Activist Sunita Viswanath

Viswanath detailed the Hindu epic, Ramayana, which tells the story about the “Lakshman Rekha” — a line that was drawn in the soil for protection that was not to be crossed. Viswanath shared three times in her life when she saw the “Lakshman Rekha” clearly and had to make a decision whether or not to “cross the line” to stay true to herself.

“You need to make informed and principled decisions about what you should do at any given moment,” she said. “You put your whole heart into that decision and you act without any thoughts of success, failure or consequences, you don’t let those thoughts distract you.” She encouraged students to meditate on the question, “what is your bottom line?” In other words, what are the principles you will stand for regardless of the consequences.

Viswanath has worked for over 30 years in women’s and human rights organizations. In 2001, Viswanath co-founded the international women’s human rights organization, Women for Afghan Women (WAW), and served as board chair until January 2022. She has been an advisory board member to Unfreeze Afghanistan since its inception in September 2021 and co-founded Abaad: Afghan Women Forward in August 2022. 

In 2019, Viswanath co-founded Hindus for Human Rights, where she currently serves as executive director. She was honored by President Obama at the White House in 2015 as a “Champion of Change.” In 2021, Viswanath was recognized by Center for American Progress as one of 21 “faith leaders to watch.” 

Following the assembly, Viswanath engaged in deeper discussions with students through breakout sessions.

Since 2008, NA’s Global Speaker Series has brought distinguished individuals from around the world to address the NA community, enriching students’ understanding and broadening their intellectual horizons. The series is made possible through contributions to the Newark Academy Fund.