Prof. Shantha Sinha  is born on 7 th January 1950 at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. She is a professor in

the department of political science in Hyderabad Central university . Prof Shantha Sinha is a great

reformer. She made and immense contribution in the area of child development.

Shantha Sinha is an alumnus of St. Ann's High School, Secunderabad[1] up to class 8. She studied

from classes 9 to 12 in Keyes High School for Girls, Secunderabad.

She went on to complete her M.A in Political Science from Osmania University in 1970. She obtained

her Ph.D from JNU in 1976.

Prof. Shantha Sinha is an anti-child labour activist of international reputation. She is the founder of

Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiya Foundation, popularly known as MV Foundation (which is named in

memory of her grandfather Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiah), and is a Professor in the Department of

Political science in Hyderabad Central University. She headed the National Commission for

Protection of Child Rights for two consecutive terms (3 years each); The National Commission for

Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection

of Child Rights Act, 2005, an Act of Parliament (December 2005). Professor Sinha was its first

chairperson.

The foundation's efforts have ensured that around 100,000 children in the 5-14-year age-group were withdrawn from work and sent to school. The foundation is also working to strengthen government schools in 500 villages. It is currently focusing on the girl-child and children engaged as bonded labourers.

Shanta Sinha is an academician with Hyderabad Central University. She gained the internationally

renowned 2003 Ramon Magsaysay award [2] [3]  for community leadership. She has also been awarded

the Padma Shri   (1999),[4] and the Albert Shanker International Award (1999) from Education

International. She has also been awarded with Hyderabad Women of the Decade Achievers Award

for Social Service by ASSOCHAM Ladies League.[5] A rights activist, her contribution to a

phenomenal reduction in child labour in nearly 500 villages of Ranga Reddy district in Andhra

Pradesh is perhaps unparalleled. Recognizing her work, the Government of India appointed her as

the first chairperson of the newly formed NCPCR.1

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shantha_Sinha