Irom Sharmila - childhood photograph
“Sharmila has had milk from many mothers she is now returning their dues by fighting for their rights.” Singhjit (Sharmila’s brother).
Irom Sharmila Chanu (born 14th March 1972), is the ninth child of Late Irom Nanda Singh and Irom Sakhi Devi. Her father was a grade 4 veterinary worker and her mother ran a provisional store. After nine children Sakhi Devi was dry, when Sharmila would be hungry and wail for milk, Singhjit, her elder brother would take her to nearby nursing mothers. In lieu of the milk Singhjit would do odd jobs in their houses.
As Sharmila grew up her behavior was not like an ordinary girl, she did not like dressing up, she did not wear any jewelery neither did she use any cosmetics. She sought spiritual answers and religiously read the Bhagwad Gita. She practiced yoga and started learning nature cure and stenography. Sharmila was a quiet, solitary girl with few selected friends. She studied till Grade 12 but never appeared for her exam as she felt she was equipped with the knowledge of reading and writing.
Irom Sharmila Chanu with her siblings - childhood photograph
After her father’s demise she was filled with grief and this led her to work for social causes. An independent spirit she would ride her bi-cycle to take part in different development workshops. Sharmila wrote articles for Huyien Lanpao, a local vernacular newspaper, she also wrote poems in Manipuri Metie dialect. Her articles were mostly poetic jottings, her inner thoughts. She constantly worried about the increasing violence in Manipur especially the atrocities against women. This led her to volunteer for human rights “Independent People Inquiry Commission” led by Justice Suresh in October 2000, least did she know this would be a turning point in her life.
Support Irom Sharmila Chanu, sign the online petition to repeal AFSPA http://www.petitiononline.com/AHRCMP2/petition.html
Irom Sharmila Chanu - Iron lady of Manipur 