This Indian scientist, dedicated to protecting the farmers’ rights, started the Gene Campaign. Dr. Suman Sahai is a scientist, an academic, a campaigner, and most importantly an agent of change.
Suman Sahai’s life was different from many others. She came from a traditional family, but her parents were not like others. In fact she was always encouraged to study whatever she wanted and wherever she desired. They never forced her to get married early like many families did in rural India.
Science ran through her veins. She fondly recalls a memorable moment from her school days when the chemistry laboratory was opened at her school. Without hesitation, she delved into exploring the properties of hydrogen peroxide. One day, prompted by a friend’s desire to become a blonde, she immersed her friend’s head into a sink filled with hydrogen peroxide, transforming her into a blonde.
Suman Sahai pursued her higher education at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, known for its excellence in genetics research. This was an exciting time for genetics, with new discoveries emerging regularly.
Despite being part of a small minority of women in the field, Suman persevered. She sought further opportunities for research and teaching at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, a renowned center for genetic research.
Suman Sahai taught at universities in Canada, the United States, and Germany. Later, she came back to India and started the Gene Campaign to help farmers and ensure food and job security.
In 1993, Dr. Suman Sahai started the Gene Campaign, a group that helps rural and tribal people in India.
Suman Sahai started by saying no to seed patents. This made her want to fight even more for farmers’ rights, ultimately leading to the creation of new laws.
Presently, her focus extends to various issues, including the acknowledgment of indigenous knowledge and the safeguarding of biodiversity. She advocates for transparency and public involvement in decisions concerning genetically modified crops, among other causes.
Suman Sahai has won many awards in India and abroad. In 2001, she became a Knight of the Golden Ark in the Netherlands. She also received the Padma Shri award from the President of India.
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