Women Like You Take The Lead: Durga Shakti Nagpal
Take The Lead salutes women who are doing extraordinary things in their communities. We will be recognizing women as part of our Women Like You Take The Lead campaign in the weeks leading up to the Take The Lead Challenge Launch Event on February 19th.
Durga Shakti Nagpal is a 28-year-old civil servant who took on an illegal sand mining operation in her district. In collaboration with the local police, she arrested 104 people and seized 81 vehicles. She spent six months during the investigation receiving pushback and threats against her life. Finally, the government had her suspended, with one official comparing her to an unruly child who needed behavior modification. As her story spread beyond her district, Nagpal, whose first name is synonymous with female power in Hindu mythology, became a symbol of honesty and integrity. Indian youth especially have taken to her defense on social media. The Uttar local government was adamant on its decision to suspend Nagpal, but after mounting pressure from all quarters, it finally revoked Nagpal’s suspension in October. It was said that after her suspension was lifted, a central panel set up by Union Environment Ministry found “rampant, unscientific and illegal” mining going on at various locations within areas of Nagpal’s jurisdiction. This 28-year-old politician managed to ignite a conversation that spread across an entire country.
Ready to do more in your career and life in 2014? Join us and 1 million other participants on February 19th for the Take The Lead Challenge Launch Event, designed to inspire you and show you how to embrace your power and fulfill your potential.