One of India’s most passionate human rights activists committed to ending sex slavery globally, Ms. Sunitha Krishnan is the driving force behind Prajwala’s evolution. For nearly three decades, her contributions to the anti-human trafficking sector have gained national and international attention. As the Founding Chief Functionary and General Secretary of Prajwala, she leads the strategic planning and overall operations of the organisation, expanding interventions across prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration and advocacy.

Ms. Krishnan has served as an advisor to several State Governments and contributed to national consultations on comprehensive anti-trafficking frameworks. Her leadership and Prajwala’s impact have received wide national and international recognition, including the India’s fourth highest civilian honor - Padma Shri (2016), Tällberg Global Leadership Award, Nelson Mandela–Graça Machel Innovation Award, Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and Rule of Law, AGFUND International Prize and numerous national honours.

Her work through Prajwala continues to shape comprehensive, survivor-centred responses to trafficking and sexual violence in India and globally.

Late Bro Jose Vetticatil was an engineer by training. As a brother belonging to the order of Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel, Bro Jose was committed to the cause of deprived for 28 yrs. He was involved in post-earthquake rehabilitation efforts in Latur. His main contribution was in the field of technical training for deprived boys. As the Director of Boys Town, a reputed technical training institute for 9 yrs Bro Jose was instrumental in creating a self sustaining production cum training-center. Bro Jose Vetticatil was the first President of Prajwala. Inspiring and motivating the team to take up the mission to a higher level, Bro Vetticatil was responsible for the strategic planning of the economic empowerment unit.

He set up Prajwala Enterprises which is responsible for restoring dignity in the lives of thousands of survivors of human trafficking who gained livelihood skills in this unit. On 18th Sep, 2005 Bro Jose Vetticatil at the age of 48 passed away due to a massive heart attack.