Mallika Dutt :- In a world often plagued by division and isolation, Mallika Dutt stands as a beacon of interconnected leadership, championing collective well-being. As the founder and director of Inter-Connected, Dutt has embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between the individual self, the community, and the planet.
Mallika Dutt’s Early Life and Education
Mallika Dutt’s story begins in Kolkata, India, in 1962. Growing up in Kolkata and Mirzapur, she cultivated a passion for human rights that would shape her future endeavours.
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from Mount Holyoke College, a Masters in International Affairs and South Asian Studies from Columbia University, and a Juris Doctor from New York University Law School, Dutt laid the foundation for a career dedicated to justice and equality.
Breakthrough: Pioneering Change
In the year 2000, Mallika Dutt founded Breakthrough, a global human rights organization committed to leveraging pop culture and media for social justice. Mann ke Manjeeré, an album and music video on women’s rights, marked Breakthrough’s inception and garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2001 National Screen Award in India for Best Music Video.
Mallika Dutt’s innovative approach extended to multimedia campaigns like ICED and America 2049, addressing immigrant rights in the United States. Notably, the Bell Bajao (Ring the Bell) campaign, urging men and boys to engage in the movement for women’s equality, earned Breakthrough the 2010 Silver Lion at the Cannes International Advertising Film Festival.
Early Career and Activism
Before Breakthrough, Dutt co-founded Sakhi for South Asian Women in 1989, providing crucial community support to end violence against women of South Asian origin.
Her diverse career also includes roles at the Norman Foundation, Rutgers University Center for Women’s Global Leadership, and the Ford Foundation, where she spearheaded initiatives in police reform and civil society collaboration.
Awards and Honors
Mallika Dutt’s tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2016. Recognized as one of Verve’s Top 50 most influential women and a recipient of the Lipman Family Prize, Dutt’s impact resonates globally.
Mallika Dutt: A Catalyst for Change
Beyond her organizational roles, Mallika Dutt’s influence extends to boards and committees, including the Global Agenda Council on Social Media and the Board of Directors for Peace is Loud. Her commitment to human rights led her to serve on the Council on Foreign Relations and the Advisory Committee for Human Rights Watch Asia.
Inter-Connected: A Vision for Global Thriving
In 2017, Mallika Dutt took a bold step, founding Inter-Connected. This initiative explores new paradigms that transcend “us” vs. “them” separation, aiming for a connected world where people and the planet can coexist and thrive. Inter-Connected collaborates with esteemed partners like the Ford Foundation, Synergos Institute, Netflix, and MenEngage Alliance.
Mallika Dutt’s Unique Methodology
Mallika Dutt‘s leadership is a fusion of ancient wisdom, contemplative practices, and social justice activism. Her approach combines narrative strategy, storytelling, somatic embodiment, energy medicine, yoga, and mindfulness practices. This unique methodology aims to awaken leaders to their interconnected truth, inspiring a strategic re-envisioning of the world.
Also Read :- Maya Ajmera: Empowering Vulnerable Youth