Breaking the Myth of the “Missing” Candidate
The Women in Politics (Kerala) project was born as a direct challenge to this status quo. By curating the profiles of active, seasoned, and emerging female leaders across Kerala onto a single platform, this initiative dismantles the excuse of invisibility. Women are not absent from the political landscape — they are simply being bypassed. This platform serves as both a resource for political accountability and a testament to the powerful, active base of female political talent ready to lead.
The Myth of the “Supply Problem”
Political parties often frame underrepresentation as a “supply-side” issue — a lack of willing or capable women. In reality, it is a “demand-side” issue controlled by traditional party gatekeepers who rely on informal, male-dominated networks to distribute tickets.
By creating a transparent repository of active women politicians, this project shifts the burden of proof back onto political parties. When the data shows an abundance of qualified women, the argument of “not enough candidates” collapses, exposing structural gatekeeping for what it truly is.
Kerala’s Paradox — High Social Development, Low Political Power
Kerala is globally celebrated for its high female literacy, favourable sex ratio, and robust participation of women in local governance through Panchayat reservations and networks like Kudumbashree. Yet this grassroots leadership rarely translates into proportional representation in the State Legislative Assembly — women have historically held only 6 to 10 percent of seats.
This curated platform bridges the gap between grassroots visibility and state-level recognition. Women who have proven their leadership at the local level can no longer be easily overlooked for higher office when their track record is documented, public, and undeniable.
Digital Institutionalization as a Tool for Accountability
Traditional political scouting is opaque. A centralized digital platform institutionalizes the presence of female politicians and gives journalists, civil society, and voters a concrete tool to ask targeted questions during election cycles: “Why was this candidate bypassed for this seat despite her documented track record?”
Visibility creates accountability. When a party claims there are no women candidates, this directory is the answer.
Overcoming the Credentialization Double Standard
Female candidates are routinely subjected to a harsher credentialing process than their male counterparts, who are frequently granted tickets based on “winnability” or loyalty rather than merit.
Documenting portfolios, community organizing history, and policy expertise in a standardized, public format levels the playing field. It makes the merit of female politicians impossible to ignore and impossible to dismiss.
From Tokenism to Structural Power
Visibility is the first step toward dismantling political monopolies. The Women in Politics project does not simply ask for space at the table — it maps out the entire base of leaders ready to take it. The goal is to move the conversation from token gestures toward systemic equity, from one woman per party list to genuine structural representation.
Meet the Politicians
Present — Active Politicians
Bindhu Krishna

Area of Expertise: Politics, Law
Bio: Bindu Krishna is a political leader from Kerala. On 18 December 2016,
she took the charge as President of Kollam District Congress Committee. She
was the second woman DCC President of Kerala’s history. In 2010 she was
nominated to be president of Kerala State Mahila Congress. Prior to her
political career she was practicing as an advocate in Kollam district bar.
Bindu Krishna has been nominated president of the State Mahila Congress.
Resources: http://www.aimc.in/organisation/
K. S. Saleekha
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: K. S. Saleekha is a member of Kerala Legislative Assembly. She
belongs to Communist Party of India (Marxist) and represents Shornur
constituency. She was previously elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2006.She has held various positions of power such as the Member, CPI(M)
Palakkad District Committee (2002 onwards), Palakkad District Secretary, All
India Democratic Women’s Association (2001–2010), State Joint Secretary,
AIDWA; Director, Kadampazhipuram Service Co-operative Bank (1988–1996),
President, Sreekrishnapuram Block Panchayat (1995–2000), Member, District
Panchayat, Palakkad (2000–2005).
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._S._Saleekha
Jameela Prakasam

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Jameela Prakasam is a member of J.D (S) party and represents
Kovalam constituency. She is the member of 13th Kerala Legislative
Assembly. She entered politics as the vice chairperson of Kerala University
Union (1972). She worked as the Deputy General Manager at State Bank of
Travancore (SBT), Thiruvananthapuram branch. In March 2011, she voluntarily
retired from service to become a full-time politician and activist.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jameela_Prakasam
http://electiontrain.com/Election/MoreAboutCandidate/420
Shobhana George

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Shobhana George is a three-time Member of the Legislative Assembly of
the state of Kerala, who represented the constituency of Chengannur in the
9th, 10th and 11th Legislative Assemblies. Shobana was the first female
president of the Akhila Kerala Balajan Sakhyam. She was also the first
female General Secretary of the State Youth Congress Committee and has
served as a Joint Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. She
has also served as a Senate Member of the Kerala University. Following her
expulsion from the Indian National Congress, she joined the Democratic Indira
Congress (Karunakaran) where she served as the General Secretary.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shobhana_George
C. S Sujatha

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: C. S Sujatha was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India. She
represented the Mavelikkara constituency of Kerala and the member of
Communist Party of India (Marxist). She is the CPI(M) candidate for the
assembly election on 13 April 2010 at Chengannur constituency.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Sujatha
Shanimol Usman

Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Works
Bio: Shanimol is a politician and the first women leader from Kerala to
become the secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC). She also
holds an LLB Degree and expert for panel discussions in television debates.
Resources: http://www.keralaassembly.com/candidate/shanimol-osman/180
C.B Geetha

Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Activities
Bio: C.B. Geetha is an Indian politician, who was the municipal councillor of
Thrissur, Kerala and also chaired as Town Planning Standing Committee
Chairman for Thrissur Municipal Corporation. She belongs to the Indian
National Congress. She also holds various profile, president of the Mahila
Corporative society as well serves as a General Secretary for Mahila
Congress, Thrissur.
She is the daughter of C.N Balakrishnan (Ex. Minister of Co-Operation, Khadi
and Village Industries of Kerala) and Thankamani Balakrishnan, born at
Thrissur on 30 May 1964. She is a graduate in B.com and also completed
PGDCA.
C.B Geetha, a versatile upcoming politician and social activist. From her
college days, she has been associated with various NGO’s as well as youth
congress activities of bringing improvisation and also done social
responsibilities. After completion of Degree, she stepped forwarded herself to
bringing women empowerment into all reputed fields. For the aim to help and
enrich women’s liberalization, Geetha and her followers have introduced the
first Mahila Service Corporative Society Service in Thrissur.
Resources: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wiki…/commons/4/4a/Geetha.jpg (Photo
source)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_B_Geetha
E.S Bijimol

Area of Expertise: Politics, Social work, Law
Bio: E.S Bijimol is an Indian politician from Kerala belongs to Communist
Party of India and Ex Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly from
Peerumedu constituency, Idukki. Bijimol hails from idukki of Kerala. She was
born into a Christian family to George and Annamma. She is married to P.J
Reji and the couple has one son and one daughter. She is a teacher by
profession, who is also known as a social worker. He holds an MA degree
and also completed LLB course. She served as Block Panchayath President
of Azutha (1995–2000) and also member of district panchayat (2005
September- 2006 April). She is an executive member of National Federation
of Indian Women. As a social worker she comes to limelight following her
participation in protest of Mullapperiyar Dam issue. She was serving as MLA
of Peerumedu while she led from front, the protest.
Currently she is a state council member, C.P.I and National Executive
Member. She also serves the position of State Secretory, Plantation
Federation; State President, Kerala Agricultural University Labour Association;
and State Vice President, Forest Welfare Association. She got elected to
State Assembly Consecutively for three terms since 2006. In 2011 state
assembly elections she defeated Adv. A.E Augusthy of INC by a majority of
over 3000 votes. She represented Peerumed constituency. In 2016 state
assembly elections she retained the seat, defeating Cyriac Thomas of Indian
National Congress by a narrow margin of only 314 votes.
Resources:http://www.veethi.com/…/e._s._bijimol-profile-9695-19.htm
http://english.mathrubhumi.com/…/landscape_607/image.jpg
T. N Seema

Area of Expertise: Social Work, Politics, Teaching, Educationist
Bio: Dr T.N Seema is a teacher, social worker and politician, who is a
former Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha elected from Kerala
representing Communist Party of India (Marxist). Currently she is the
Executive Vice-Chairperson of the Haritha Keralam Mission.
Seema was born on 1 June 1963 in Thrissur, Kerala. She is a graduate
from University of Kerala in Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (Malayalam).
She also completed Ph.D. in Malayalam Literature from University of Kerala
and diploma in Tamil and Universalising Social Security from Central Institute
of Indian Languages, Mysore and Hague, Netherlands respectively. She was
a, Malayalam and literature teacher in Government College from 1991 to
2008.
She has done many research programs on Anganwadi Centres, Decentralized
Planning, Gender Study Manual, N.R.E.G.A and Self-Help Groups (S.H.G).
She is also the Kerala State President and National Vice President AIDWA,
and the State Committee Member of CPI (M) in Kerala. She has been an
editor of a women’s monthly, “Sthreesabdam” as a member of State
Executive Committee of Kudumbashree Poverty Alleviations.
T.N Seema was elected to Rajya Sabha in April 2010. As an upper house
member, she was in the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and
Public Distribution, Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Civil
Aviation. And on September 2012 onwards Member, Committee on
Empowerment of Women, Committee on office of profit, Member, Consultative
Committee on Zonal Railway User’s, Southern Railways.
She is the author of the books “Women and Local Planning” in Malayalam in
1997, “Globalisation and Women in 2000and Edited “Equality in Development”
in 2000, “Gender Status Study” in 2000, “Neighbourhood Collective” in 1999,
“Peoples Plan Campaign and Women’s Advancement” in 2000 and the poetry
collection“ Hrudayagaveshanam” in 2012.
Resources:http://www.elections.in/political-leaders/tn-seema.html
https://pbs.twimg.com/pro…/879398327174832128/W41OMhwV.jpg
P.K Jayalekshmi

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: P.K Jayalekshmi is a youth leader and politician and the former Minister
for Welfare of Backward Communities in State Government of Kerala,
represented Mananthavady constituency.
She is the daughter of Kunjammen and Ammini, born at Valat on 3 October 1980
She is a graduate in Communicative English from Kannur University
and holds a Diploma in Computer Science. She is also a specialist in
archery who get silver medal for archery in state competition.
Jayalakshmi came in politics through congress students wing Kerala Students
Union (KSU) during his college life. She was a member of Thavinjal Grama
Panchayat in Wayanad during the years 2005 and 2010, Health -Education
standing committee chair person and also became the youth congress
president of Wayanad Lok Sabha. When she is becoming the first minister of
Kerala, she is creating many records like “First minister in Kerala from
schedule tribe”, “First women minister in Kerala from Schedule tribe”, and
“Youngest women minister in Kerala”.
Resources: http://www.veethi.com/…/p._k._jayalakshmi-profile-8064…
https://malayalam.oneindia.com/…/04-1459740317-pk…
P. K Sreemathi Teacher

Area of Expertise: Politics, Teaching
Bio: P.K Sreemathi Teacher Is an Indian politician from Kerala, and a
member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). She was the Member of the
Indian Parliament, representing Kannur Constituency.
She is the daughter of Shri. T. Kelappan Nambiar and Smt. P.K Meenakshi
Amma, born at Mayyil (Kannur) on 4th May 1949; Pre- Degree and also
completed Teacher Training course. Worked at St. Mary’s, College Sultan
Bathery, Kerala.
Sreemathy teacher is a controversial politician in Kerala politics. She has
been active in social life for the past 30 year. She was the member and
standing committee chairperson in the Kannur District Council, President of
Kannur District Panchayat and the State Secretary of All India Democratic
Women’s Association. She also held the position of Health Minister
(2006–2011) at Kerala Legislative Assembly. She actively involved in the Pain
and palliative Care and for the welfare of women and child development.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._K._Sreemathy
http://www.mangalam.com/…/2017/06/123155/pk-sreemathy.jpg
Smt. K. K Shailaja

Area of Expertise: Politics, Teaching
Bio: Smt. K. K Shailaja Teacher, former Minister for Health and Social Justice
was born to K. Kundan and K.K Santha. She Was Chief Editor of “Sthree
Sabdam” and also worked in Sivapuram High School in Kannur as Science
Teacher earlier.
Smt. Shailaja Teacher entered politics through Students Federation of India
(SFI) activities and later become a member of CPI (M) Central Committee.
She is the State Secretary of All India Democratic Women’s Association and
Joint Secretary of its Central Committee. She has authored two books-
“Indian Varthamanavum Sthreesamoohavum” and “China- Rashtram,
Rashtreeyam, Kazhchakal”.
Third time MLA, represented Koothuparamba in 1996 and Peravur in 2006.
Resources: https://kerala.gov.in/k-k-shailaja-teacher
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/…/landscape_928/image.jpg
Shobha Surendran
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Shobha Surendran is an aspiring political leader from Kerala, who
belongs to Bharatiya Janata Party. She has acted as the State President of
BJP Mahila Morcha.
Shobha hails from Vadakkaanchery, Thrissur District. Her husband K.K
Surendran is also a politician, associated with BJP. She is an agriculturist,
and completed PDC from Calicut University in 1994. Associated with Bharatiya
Janta Party alongside her husband, she is the first women leader from Kerala
to hold a position at National level.
She unsuccessfully contested in Lok Sabha Elections 2014 representing
Bharatiya Janata Party from Palakkad constituency. In 2016 State Assembly
Election she actively participated in the election campaign, which witnessed
the success of BJP for the first time in state politics. She was elected to the
National Executive Committee of the Party in 2013, becoming the first women
to hold this position.
Resources: http://www.veethi.com/indi…/shobha_surendran-profile-9692-
Smt. J. Mercykutty Amma

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Smt. J. Mercykutty Amma, former Minister for Fisheries, Harbour
Engineering and Cashew Industry was born to Smt. Jainamma and Sri
Francis on 30 September, 1955. She is a post graduate in Malayalam and
has completed LLB course. She is married to Sri B. Thulaseedhara Kurup,
the President, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, Kollam district.
She held various positions in CITU and in Communist Party of India
(Marxist). Smt. Mercykutty Amma was the District Committee President of
Matsyathozhilali (Fishermen) Federation, Kollam up to 2012 and was the State
Vice President during 1987 to 2005. She was also the district treasurer of
Coir Workers Union, Kollam up to 1989 and the President of Khadi Workers
Federation. She was also the Chairperson of Kerala State Co-operative
Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd. (Matsyafed).
Currently the member of State Committee CPI (M); All India Vice President
and State Secretary, CITU; Vice President, Kerala Cashew Workers Centre.
She was first elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1987 (26th March,
1987–17th June, 1991). She was again elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly
in 1996 (20th May, 1996–13th May, 2001). Smt. Mercykutty Amma was
elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly third time in 2016 and became
Minister in charge of the portfolios of Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and
Cashew Industry.
Resources: https://kerala.gov.in/j-mercykutty-amma
http://www.bignewslive.com/…/2016/05/mercykutty-amma.jpg
U. Prathibha Hari

Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Work
Bio: Prathibha Hari is an Indian Politician from Kerala and Current Member of
the Kerala Legislative Assembly of Kayamkulam, representing LDF. She was
born on 10May 1997 in Thakazhy village of Alappuzha District. She is
graduated from M.G University and also an advocate.
Prathibha held the position of Panchayat President at Alappuzha District and
former President of Thakazhy Grama Panchayat. Her works involved in save
Pampa (Varattar) campaign and numerous nature preservation programs
mainly focused in Alappuzha District. Her candid body language and ability to
mix amongst the cross section of society won her accolade and candidature
in Kayamkulam constituency.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prathiba_Hari
http://www.keralaassembly.com/…/advocate-prathibha-hari…
P. Aisha Potty

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: P. Aisha Potty is an Indian politician from Kerala. She is the daughter of
Shri N. Vasudevan Potty and Smt. N.J Parvathy Antharjanam born at
Kidanggor on 31st May 1958. She is a B.sc holder and LLM, Advocate and
also a social worker.
Follower of communist idea from childhood and become a member of C.P.I
(M) in 1991. Elected as District Panchayat, Kollam in September, 200 from
Kottarakkara and later become President of District Panchayat, Kollam and
continued till September 2005. Again, elected to District Panchayat and
continued as its member till Assembly Elections, 2006.
Aisha Potty is the C.P.I (M) Area Committee Member and Al India
Democratic Women’s Association, State Committee Member. She is also the
member of All India Lawyers Union National Council and the convener of
State Women’s Club Committee.
Resources: http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/mem/p_aisha_potty.htm
http://insightinfo.in/…/19-1463645894-aisha-potty…
Veena George

Area of Expertise: Journalism, Politics, Anchoring
Bio: Veena George is an Indian politician and current Minister for Health and
Family Welfare in the Government of Kerala. Veena hails from Aranmula of
Pathanamthita district. She completed her post-graduation in Physics from
university of Kerala.
Veena is a successful TV anchor; she had 16 long years’ experience in
media before she took politics as her profession. Veena started her journalism
career as a trainee with Kairali Television. Later she joined Manorama News
as a news anchor. She got immense popularity as a news anchor and she
presented numerous news programs and live shows on Manorama News
channels. Pularvela and E lokham are her popular shows. She later worked
with India Vision News channel and TV New. She served as the editor of
India Vision, and later joined TV New as Executive Editor in 2015.
Veena has been associated with Student’s Politics since her college days.
She worked with pro left organizations in those days. In 2016 state assembly
election she successfully contested as LDF candidate from Aranmula
Constituency. She defeated sitting MLA and senior congress leader K
Shivadasan Nair in the state assembly election by a majority of 7646 votes.
For her outstanding career as a news media personality, she has been
awarded numerous awards and honours including Kerala TV awards 2012-
Best Malayalam News Reader award.
Resources: http://www.veethi.com/…/veena_george-profile-9615-22.htm
https://malayalam.oneindia.com/…/15-1458042553-veena…
Geetha Gopi

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Geetha Gopi is an Indian politician from Kerala and Member of the
Kerala Legislative Assembly from Nattika constituency, Thrissur, representing
LDF.
She is the daughter of Shri. C.T Ayyapan and Smt. P.s Ammukutty; born at
Punnayurkulam on 30th May 1973; Pre-Degree, she is also a social worker.
She has a strong political background and has a priority as women in this
Election.
Geetha entered Politics through CPI in 1995. She was the Member and
Secretary of Mahila Sangam Mandalam Committee, Member of CPI
Guruvayoor Mandalam Committee and District Council. She also held the
position of Chairperson, Guruvayoor Municipality (2004 and 2009) and its
Health Committee and Deputy Chairperson, Guruvayoor Municipality (2011).
During the Chairpersonship, introduced many developmental programs in
Municipality such as Office Computerization, Touch Screen Project, Distribution
of one-day permit, inclusion of ‘Clean and Green Guruvayoor Project’ in the
budget, Road developmental projects and Guruvayoor Municipality become the
only one Municipality which banned the use of plastic carry bags and
received an award for the same from the Government of Kerala.
Resources: http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/mem/geethagopi.htm
http://www.keralaassembly.com/…/candidates/GeethaGopi.jpg
C. K Asha
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: C. K Asha is the Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly. Asha
represented the Vaikom constituency of Kerala and is a member of the (CPI)
political party.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._K._Asha
P. Sathidevi
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: P. Sathidevi is a politician and was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of
India. She used to represent the Vadakara constituency of Kerala and is a
member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) political party.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._Sathidevi
Photo credits: Google
Former Politician
Sindhu Joy
Area of Expertise: Journalism, Politics, columnist
Bio: Sindhu Joy is a former politician and social activist from Kerala. She has
been a young youth leader of Communist Party earlier and later joined Indian
National Congress. She has served as All India Vice- President of SFI, a
prominent student’s organization in Kerala.
Sindhu’s schooling and graduation were completed from Ernakulam. She
completed M.Phil., Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Research from Kerala University.
Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and a Post Graduate Diploma in
Computer Applications are other educational degrees. She has been a
prominent Students Federation of India leader since college days.
She is well known for competing top political leaders of Kerala. She has
competed as a Left Democratic Front candidate against former Minister
Oomen Chandy from Puthupalli Assembly constituency in 2006. She has also
contested in the Parliament elections against K.V Thomas, a prominent leader
of Indian National Congress and a former union Minister, in the 2009 Lok
Sabha elections from Ernakulam Constituency.
Sindhu was a full-time member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)
from 1992 to 2011. Now she has resigned from Congress party as well and
has taken a break from social and political life. She participated in Malayalam
version of television reality show, Big Boss — Malayalee House where she
finished one among the third finalist.
Resources: http://www.veethi.com/indi…/sindhu_joy-profile-3473-19.htm
https://i.pinimg.com/…/66ae15d0f3ee79113b66da680769e28a…
Past Women Politicians
Accamma Cherian
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Accamma Cherian was an Indian independence activist from the erstwhile Travancore
(Kerala), India. She was popularly known as the Jhansi Rani of Travancore. In February
1938, the Travancore State Congress was formed and Accamma gave up her teaching
career to join the struggle for liberty. In October 1938, the working committee of the State
Congress directed Accamma Cherian to organise the Desasevika Sangh (Female Volunteer
Group). She toured various centres and appealed to the women to join as members of the
Desasevika Sangh. Accamma Cherian died on 5 May 1982. A statue was erected in her
memory in Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram. A documentary film was made on her life
by Sreebala K. Menon.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accamma_Cherian
Susheela Gopalan

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Susheela Gopalan was an Indian Communist leader and one of the founding members
of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). She was elected Member of Parliament twice,
from Alappuzha (1980) and Chirayinkil (1991), and was a Minister in the Government of
Kerala for a number of years. She was one of the few women who held major responsibilities
in the CPI (M) structure. She was a Minister in a number of LDF cabinets in Kerala. During
her last term she was the Minister for Industries and Social Welfare. She married A. K.
Gopalan in 1952, one of the veterans of the party, who she had met during his years in
hiding. She was dies on 19 December 2001 (aged 71) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Resources : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susheela_Gopalan
Annie Mascarene
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Annie Mascarene (6 June 1902[1] — 19 July 1963) was an Indian freedom fighter and
Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Mascarene was one of the first
women to join the Travancore State Congress and became the first woman to be part of the
Travancore State Congress Working Committee. she was one of the leaders of the
movements for independence and integration with the Indian nation in the Travancore State.
For her political activism she was imprisoned for various periods from 1939–47. Mascarene
was elected to the First Lok Sabha as an independent candidate from the
Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency in the Indian general election, 1951. She was
the first woman MP from Kerala and one of only 10 elected to Parliament in those elections.
Annie Mascarene died in 1963 and her grave lies at the Pattoor cemetery in
Thiruvananthapuram. A bronze statue of Annie Mascarene was built at the Annie Mascarene
Square at Vazhuthacaud in Thiruvananthapuram and it was unveiled by Vice President
Hamid Ansari in September 2013.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Mascarene
Mercy Ravi
Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Works
Bio: Mercy Ravi was a member of Kerala Legislative Assembly and the wife of the Indian
politician Vayalar Ravi. She was also a renowned social worker and author. Mercy began
her political career as a student activist. She held several key positions in the Congress
party and was the General Secretary of the party in the Kerala Pradesh Mahila Congress
and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. At the national level, she was elected as the
President of the Indian National Trade Union Congress women’s committee in 2000 and as
member of All India Congress Committee. She was a representative of the Asia Pacific
Region International Confederation of Trade Unions and a member of the Indian delegation
to the World Women’s Conference in Beijing. She was also an author and columnist. On 5
September 2009, at the age of 64, she died at the Madras Medical Mission Hospital,
Chennai. She was laid to rest in Vayalar Ravi’s ancestral home at Vayalar in Kerala’s
Alappuzha district.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_Ravi
K. R Gowri Amma

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: K. R Gowri Amma was one of the leading women political leaders from Kerala.
She was a prominent figure in the communist movement in Kerala since late 1950’s.
She heads the Janathiapathiya Samrakshana Samithi (JSS), a political party based
in Kerala. As a part of communist ministry, she has served as ministers in different
portfolios during 1957, 1967, 1980 and 1987. She also becomes a minister in the
Congress led cabinet from 2001 to 2006.
She started her public life in association with trade unions at a younger age. Gowri
was jailed on a number of occasions for participating in political activities. She was
elected to the Travancore Council of Legislative Assembly in 1952 and 1954. She
becomes Revenue Minister in the first communist ministry in 1957, headed by E.M.S
Namboodiripad. The land reform in Kerala is one of her greatest achievements. Later
she has served in different positions in cabinet. She died on 11 May 2021, a couple
of months before her 102nd birthday.
Resources: http://www.veethi.com/…/k._r._gowri_amma-profile-3459…
Potential Future Women Candidates
Prameela Sashidharan

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: In Palakkad Municipal Council BJP’s Prameela Sashidharan became the
first elected chairman of this important municipal council in the state. Her
victory marked the ‘beginning of the change’ in the state hitherto dominated
by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and Marxist dominated
Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Stephi J George

Area of Expertise: Politics, Social issues
Bio: Stephi J George, an Ex-Councillor of Thiruvananthapuram corporation.
Her main campaign was development of the Kesavadasapuram ward in
Thiruvananthapuram district. As a member of Seva Dal she is also active in
Vayomithram project which is providing succour to the elderly.
Sarah Joseph

Area of Expertise: Writing, Politics
Sarah Joseph is a novelist and short story writer in Malayalam. She is the recipient of
Kendra Sahitya Academy award and Vayalar award. Sarah has been at the forefront
of the feminist movement in Kerala and is the founder of Manushi (organisation of
thinking women). She joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2014 and contested the 2014
parliament elections from Thrissur.
Vidya Balakrishnan

Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Vidya Balakrishnan is a Lawyer and national secretary of youth congress. She is
an ex-councillor of Calicut corporation.
Chintha Jerome

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Chintha Jerome is the State Youth Commission Chairperson. She was the Vice
President of the Student Federation of India, the Left’s student organization and the
woman leader in SFI after Sindhu Joy. She was also the state secretariat member of
the DYFI. She is the first female chairperson to do so.
Jebi Mather

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Jebi Mather the Aluva municipal Councillor was appointed as all-India Youth
Congress secretary respectively after a tough selection process by the AICC
leadership. She has an illustrious Congress background. Her maternal grandfather
was former KPCC president T. O. Bava and paternal grandfather K. C. A. Methar
KPCC treasurer. Her father K. M. I. Mather is the KPCC general secretary. Ms Jebi
also headed the training division of AICC in several states like Goa, Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Assam and Rajasthan during 2011 -15.
Valsala Prasanna Kumar

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Valsala Prasanna Kumar is the General Secretary of Executive Committee of
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee under Mahila Congress.
Lathika Subhash

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Lathika Subhash is the Ex- General Secretary of the Executive Committee of
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee under Mahila Congress.
Arya Rajendran
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Arya Rajendran S. is an Indian politician who currently serves as the mayor of the
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. She was elected from Mudavanmukal ward, belonging
to Nemom Assembly Constituency from Communist Party of India (Marxist) at the age of
21 and was appointed as the mayor of the corporation which made her the youngest
mayor in the country.
Dr. J. Devika

Area of Expertise: Research, Gender studies, writing
Bio: Jayakumari Devika is a Malayali historian, social critic, and feminist. She
currently teaches and researches in Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum as
an associate Professor and has authored several books, and articles on gender
relations in early Kerala society. She is bilingual and has translated both fiction and
no-fiction books between Malayalam and English. Also, she writes on contemporary
politics and culture in Kerala on the team blog www.kafila.org.
Indira Raveendran

Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Indira Raveendran is a lawyer and social worker. She is holding the position
as Vice President of National Federation of Indian women (NFIW) in Kerala.
She is also a legal consultant and expert for handling gender issues. Resources:
http://cmsenvis.cmsindia.org/new…/enews/NewsDetails.asp…
https://in.linkedin.com/in/indira-raveendran-14793b104
Swapna George

Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Swapna is an Advocate and Assistant Professor of law at CSI Institute of Legal
Studies. She was the General secretary of District Congress Committee (DCC) and
the Member of Youth Commission, Thiruvananthapuram. Her interest includes
gender related issues of media representation and public seminars.
Resources: http://www.marunadanmalayali.com/…/congress-leader-in…
P. P Divya

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Divya is the vice president of Kannur district Panchayat. She is also a social
worker and a youth leader of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). She is an
expert for panel discussions in television debates.
Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm1ebZhScME
Jazla Madassery

Area of Expertise: Politics, Media
Bio: Jazla Madassery is an activist, anchor and was the Vice President of KSU in
Malappuram district. She is also the former Jawahar balajanavedi state vice
president at Indian National Congress.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/jazlabeenu.madasseri?lst=100013709284
447%3A100007496048153%3A1517479804
Karishma M. A

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Karishma is a graduate and young politician. She was the Councillor at
Thiruvananthapuram corporation. LDFs Karishma represents the Anamugham ward
in Thiruvananthapuram. Resources:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/arti…/49707746.cms
Noorbina Rasheed

Area of Expertise: Law, Gender, Politics
Bio: Noorbina Rasheed is a politician and a lawyer. She was the National General
Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and former member of the
State Women’s Commission.
Resources: http://www.kvartha.com/…/women-leaders-in-muslim-league…
M. Haripriya

Area of Expertise: Politics, Gender Activities
Bio: Haripriya is the State General Secretary of Mahila Congress. She is also the
Member of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Resources: http://www.jaihoon.com/15659.htm…
Shama Mohamed

Area of Expertise: Politics, Dentist, Journalist, Entrepreneur
Bio: Shama Mohamed is a Dentist, Journalist, Anchor, Entrepreneur and a politician.
She is a member of Indian National Congress and professionally a dentist. She is a
spoke person and also an anchor.
Resources: https://twitter.com/drshamamohd?lang=en
Mridula Gopi

Student Politician
Bio: Mridula Gopi is the first women chairperson of Kerala’s Maharaja’s college in 2017 She Contesting from the Students Federation of India, Mridula has become the
first woman Chairman of the college’s Student’s Committee in seven decades.
Resources: https://www.thenewsminute.com/…/meet-mridhula-gopi…
Bindhu Shivadasan

Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Work
Bio: Bindhu Shivadasan is the President of Mattathur Gram Panchayat in Thrissur
district of Kerala, has successfully transitioned from being an accomplished
Kudumbashree member to a respected panchayat leader.
Resources: https://www.thebetterindia.com/…/keralas-nursery-for…/
V. P Rajeena

Area of Expertise: Politics, Law
Bio: V. P Rejeena is an advocate and President of Thrithala Block, Kerala. She was
an active worker in SFI Malappuram district president, state vice president, central
committee member. Currently she is an active worker in DYFI. In the past 6 years
she working as DYFI state joint secretary and vice president.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/V.P.RAJEENA
Omana Johnson

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Omana Johnson is a politician and a nurse. She is the mahila forum state
president at Human Rights Mission Kerala. And Former Staff Nurse at Al Sadiq
Hospital Saihat KSA.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/omana.johnson.773?lst=10001370928444
7%3A100013536394378%3A1520852444…
R. Syama

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: R. Syama is a Lecturer and active member of DYFI. She is the state committee
member at Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and CPIM Kozhenchery
area committee member. Former district president of SFI Pathanamthitta.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/rshyama.sfi?fref=pb&hc_location=friend
s_tab
Geetha Chandran

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Geetha Chandran is a politician. She is the State Secretary at Mahila Congress.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009194838830
Neethu

Student Politician
Bio: Neethu is a youth politician. She is the block Vice President at DYFI in Arikkode
and the area president at Students Federation of India (SFI).
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/neethu.kunhatta?fref=pb&hc_location=fri
ends_tab
Fathima Thahilia

Area of Expertise: Religion, Gender Activities, Politics, Law
Bio: Fathima Thahilia is a lawyer and student activist. She is the National Vice
President at MSF — Muslim Students Federation. She is the former State President
at MSF Haritha girl’s wing of Muslim Students Federation (MSF) and former Member
of Gender Justice Committee at The Kerala State Higher Education Council. She is
also the former Senate Member at University of Calicut.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/Thahiliya?fref=pb…
Anju S. R

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Anju is a politician and BA, LLB graduate. She was the corporation Councillor at
Communist Party of India represented Muttathara ward in Thiruvananthapuram.
Resources: http://www.corporationoftrivandrum.in/council&cid…
Krishnaveni G. Sharma

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Krishnaveni is the general secretary at Kollam district congress committee and
sate wise president at INTUC. She is the Ex. President from 2016 at District
President Mahila congress and state president at Kerala State INTUC Women’s
Workers Council.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/krishnaveni.gsharma?lst=1000137092844
47%3A100005000886462%3A1520590591
Deepthi Mary Varghese

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Deepthi Mary Varghese is a politician and a lawyer. She is the former National
secretary at Indian Youth Congress and central government council at CAT. She is
also an Advocate at Supreme Court of India and High Court of Kerala.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/deepthimaryvarghese?lst=100013709284
447%3A100001239792441%3A1520593388
Athira Prasad

Student Politician
Bio: Athira Prasad is a youth politician. She studied MA History at Maharajas College
Ernakulam. She is also working at Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and
Student Federation of India (SFI).
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014755320199…
Syama Kundamkuzhi

Student Politician
Bio: Syama is a graduate from Nehru Arts and Science college, Padannakad. She
works at Student’s Federation of India (SFI).
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012628418958…
O. M Shalina

Area of Expertise: Law, Social Work, Politics
Bio: O. M Shalina is a lawyer and a social activist. She is a media watcher and
represented Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She is the BJP Mahila Morcha State
Secretary & Advocate at High Court of Kerala. Her interests and work cover law,
social works, politics and media representation.
Resources: https://twitter.com/shalinaom?lang=en
Anu Thomas

Student Politician
Bio: Anu Thomas is a graduate and a youth politician. She works at Democratic
Youth Federation of India in Wayanad district. She graduates from Sree
Snakaracharya University of Sanskrit.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/anuanna.thomas.3?lst=100013709284447
%3A100004307048988%3A1520658097
V. R Monisha

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Monisha is a youth politician and works at Indian National Congress. She is the
congress mandalam general secretary and youth congress block secretary. She
studied at Sreenarayana College, Kollam.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/aadyamonish.monisha…
Mily Sara Varghese

Student Politician
Bio: Mily is a youth women politician. She is the district committee member at
Students Federation of India (SFI), Ranni block committee member at Democratic
Youth Federation of India (DYFI), and Area committee vice president and college unit
executive member at SFI at Konni.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/mily.varghese.9?fref=pb&hc_location=fri
ends_tab
Aritha Babu

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Aritha Babu is the member at district panchayat at Alappuzha and the mandalam
secretary at Indian Youth Congress.
Resource: https://www.facebook.com/Aritha-Babu-170279599984094
Vaishnavi Sailesh

Student Politician
Bio: Vaishnavi Saliesh studied BA in sociology at KNM Govt. Arts and Science
College Kanjiramkulam. She is the former Unit president of dalawa, mannady
mekhala at Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Adoor Block committee
member at Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Mannady mekhala
committee member at Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/lekshmi.sailesh…
A. H Ramsheena

Student Politician
Bio: Ramsheena is a BA economics graduate and left side youth politician. She is the
district secretary member at SFI in Malappuram district, Ponnani block committee
member at Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and branch member at
CPIM Kerala. She is also the Palappety Mekhala Treasurer at DYFI.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010514828255…
Babitha Jayan

Area of Expertise: Politics, Teaching
Bio: Babitha Jayan is a teacher and a young politician. She is the member at district
panchayat Alappuzha represented UDF. She is actively involved in the social works
and was the block panchayat president at the muthukulam panchayat.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/babitha.jayan.1?fref=pb&hc_location=frie
nds_tab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvxSSjeaF2M
Alshifa Muhammed

Student Politician
Bio: Alshifa is a young politician. She works at Kerala Students Union (KSU). She
studies BBA with LLB 5 years integrated course at Kerala University.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/alshifa.muhammed?lst=10001370928444
7%3A100003126307291%3A1520846107
Radha Surendran

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Radha Surendran is a politician. She is the vice president of Pallipad Grama
Panchayat at Panchayat Department. She represented UDF.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010382442194…
Reshma Mariam Roy

Student Politician
Bio: Reshma is a young politician. President at Aruvappulam Grama Panchayath and
works for District committee member at DYFI and Executive Committee Member at
DYFI She was a social Worker and worked at National Service Scheme (India).
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/reshma.mariam.14?lst=100013709284447
%3A100009293713317%3A1520853894
S. R Remya Ramesh

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Remya Ramesh was the Pattom ward Councillor represented BJP. Remya, a
postgraduate in Hindi who has also completed B.Ed.
Resources: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/arti…/49777139.cms
M. A Vidhya Mohan

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Vidhya Mohan was a young ward Councillor of Thycaud represents LDF. She is
a post graduate. Vidhya focused on issues like drinking water and improving the
condition of schools to check dropout rate.
Resources: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/…/thiruvananthapuram…
Chinchu. I

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Chinchu is a teacher turned politician. BJPs Chinchu was the ward Councillor
represented Perunthanni Ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. She was the
teacher at Vivekananda Public School. She done many developments in Perunthanni
ward such as road tarring, road concreting and other constructions.
Resources:
https://www.facebook.com/perunthannibjpunit/posts/755167391279912
Rakhi Ravikumar

Area of Expertise: Politics, Law
Bio: Rakhi Ravikumar is an Advocate and Ward Councillor at Vazhuthacaud. She
was the Deputy Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram corporation. She is the member of
Communist Part of India (CPI). She worked as the current financial stability of the
Corporation to ensure the development of basic facilities and address the issues of
waste management and stray dog menace, among others. She also practicing lawyer
at the District Court in Vanchiyoor.
Resources: http://www.thehindu.com/…/deputy…/article7894906.ece
Asha Nath G. S

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Asha Nath is the Pappanamcode ward Councillor represents BJP in
Thiruvananthapuram corporation. She is a BSc Chemistry graduate and has worked
in a private firm. Her main campaign is development of Pappanamcode ward and to
solve the issues such as drinking water facility and repair of road etc.
Resources: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/…/pappanamcode-in-bjp…
Jishna Das

Student Politician
Bio: Jishna Das is a journalist and works at Mangalam Television. She worked in SFI
and DYFI. .
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/jishna.das.1?lst=100013709284447%3A10
0006768545257%3A1521019388
Sindhu Rajeev

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Sindhu Rajeev is the mahilamorcha mandalm president at Bharathiya Janata
Party (BJP). She was one of the candidates in 2015 corporation election and she has
been a Kudumbashree chairperson at the place for 15 years. Her husband is sitting
Councillor of Nettayam ward M R Rajeev, who is a BJP candidate for the
Vazhottukonam ward in Thiruvananthapuram corporation.
Resources: https://www.nyoooz.com/…/246501/here-its-a-family-affair/
Lasitha Palakkal

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Lasitha Palakkal is an RSS activist. She works at Rashta Sevika Samiti and the
district secretary at Yuva Morcha Kerala.
Resources:http://www.newindianexpress.com/…/Four-RSS-activists…
K. Simi

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: K. Simi is a politician and works at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She is the vice
president at Mahila Morcha Thiruvananthapuram district.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/simi.aji.39?fref=pb&hc_location=friends_
tab
Meera Nourin

Student Politician
Bio: Meera Nourin is a student and a young politician. She is the member of
Communist Party of India Marxist.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/meeranourin.kalakkat?lst=100013709284
447%3A100006741284280%3A1521023715
Anusree.E

Student Politician
Bio: Anusree is young politician. She is a CPIM member at Vadakkumthala branch
and SFI state committee member at Malappuram. She also works at SFI Area Vice
President in Manjeri. She studied Civil Engineering at Government Polytechnic,
Perinthalmanna.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/anusree.melatur?lst=100013709284447%
3A100004914035413%3A1521539531
Shiny Mathew

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Shiny Mathew was the standing committee chairperson for town planning in
Kochi Municipal Corporation. She represented UDF.
Resources: https://cochinmunicipalcorporation.kerala.gov.in/…/stan…
Gracy Joseph

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Gracy Joseph was a development committee chairperson at Kochi Municipal
Corporation represents UDF.
Resources:https://www.deccanchronicle.com/…/road-safety-tops…
Poornima Narayan

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Poornima Narayan, a social activist and professor of SCMS College. She was
the standing committee chairman for finance at Kochi Municipal Corporation.
Poornima, an academician, has vast experience in the social service sector and she
has been working among women belonging to the socially excluded groups,
especially along the coastal areas and indigenous communities. She represents
CPM.
Resources: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/…/cpm-zeroes-scms…
Gomathi Augustine

Area of Expertise: Gender issues
Bio: Gomathi Augustine is the leader of Pembalai Orumai, a women’s union that had
carried out widespread agitation to ensure rights of women plantation workers. In
2015, Gomathi was elected from the Nallathanni division to the Devikulam block
panchayat. She was a member of CPI(M). She quite the CPI(M), accusing the party
of not working for the workers’ welfare.
Resources: https://www.thenewsminute.com/…/pembilai-orumai-leader…
Resmi Subhagan

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Resmi is a young politician and member at CPIM, Kerala. She is the district
committee member at Vanithasahithy, block convener at SAMA, district committee
member and block vice president at DYFI. She is the former member at Hospital
Employees Union CITU and former Staff Nurse — Labour and Delivery at
Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/resmi.subhagan?fref=pb&hc_location=fri
ends_tab
Magline Peter

Area of Expertise: Social Work
Bio: Magline Peter is a social worker, an active community leader and the state
Convenor of the Theeradesha Mahila Vedi, the women’s wing of the Kerala
Swathantra Malsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF or Kerala Independent Fisher
Workers Federation). She has been key in evolving the strong women’s movement
among the fisher people. Magline has a humbling ability to switch from the local to
the global, from the seemingly to the massive. Magline herself has participated in
agitations with Sardar Sarovar project- affected villagers in the Narmada valley, with
Dalit and tribal people fighting for land right across India, with people affected by
industrial pollution, with the women’s movement.
Resources: http://www.tehelka.com/2009/08/raise-high-the-roof-beams/…
Mini Shajar Khan

Area of Expertise: Social Work, Politics
Bio: Mini Shajar Khan is a social activist and the member of Socialist Unity Centre of
India (SUCI). She is actively involved in the social issues and television debates.
Resources: http://www.newindianexpress.com/…/kerala/2017/apr/09/jis
Mini Mohan

Area of Expertise: Social works, Politics
Bio: Mini Mohan is a social activist and a media watcher. She works in the Indian
National Congress and Project Coordinator at Business Intelligence Manger. She is a
social worker and studied Mass Communication, Sociology and Psychology at Kerala
University.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/minimohankerala/about…
Haritha S. Sundar

Area of Expertise: Social Issue, Student politician
Bio: Haritha Sundar is MA in Mass Communication and Journalism from EFL
University, Hyderabad. She is the CWC and NEC Member of Akhil Bharatiya
Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Resources: https://twitter.com/harithasundar?lang=en
Syamily Sasikumar

Student Politician
Bio: Syamily is an active young politician. She is the state committee member at
Students Federation of India (SFI) and state vice president at Balasangam. She was
the children’s prime minister at District Child Welfare Society in Alappuzha.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/shyamily.sasikumar?fref=pb&hc_locatio
n=friends_tab
Ansamma Sabu

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Ansamma Sabu is the former block president at Mahila Congress in
Kaduthuruthi, Kerala. She is also worked at Jesus youth, an International Catholic
Movement approved by the Holy See.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/ansamma.sabu?lst=100013709284447%3
A100002792466938%3A1522837632
Adithya R. S

Student Politician
Bio: Adithya is works at Sign of Nest, a non-governmental organization. She was
holding the charges of local committee secretary at Students Federation of India
(SFI) and area committee member in Palayam at SFI. She was the University Union
Councillor at Govt College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram represented Students
Federation of India (SFI). Adithya was also the unit president and local committee
president at Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/adithya.neethuz?lst=100013709284447%3
A100008086838995%3A1522826875
Rakhi Kaleshkumar

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Rakhi is a politician. She is the DCC member at Kottayam district. She was the
general secretary at KSU and IYC in Kottayam at Indian National Congress. Rakhi
was also the ex-president at Vazhapally Grama Panchayat.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/rakhi.kaleshkumar?lst=100013709284447
%3A100007446210506%3A1522838796
Akshara S. Raj

Student Politician
Bio: Akshara is a young politician. She is the Trivandrum district committee member
and Palayam area vice president at Student’s Federation of India (SFI). She is the
unit president in Central University of Kerala at SFI. She is also the vice president at
students’ council of central university of Kerala.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/aksharas.raj.3?fref=pb&hc_location=frien
ds_tab
Sudha Kurian

Area of Expertise: Politics, Teaching, Social work
Bio: Sudha Kurian is a politician, teacher and a social worker. She was the general
secretary at Mahila Congress. She is actively worked in the Indian National
Congress.
Resources: http://kpcc.org.in/member/2315/sudha-kurian/gallery.html
https://www.facebook.com/sudha.kurian.9?fref=pb&hc_location=friends_tab
Shilpa Surendran

Student Politician
Bio: Shilpa Surendran is an active young politician. She is the Kerala state committee
member at Students Federation of India (SFI) and local committee member at CPIM.
She is the former general secretary at Mahatma Gandhi University.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/shilpa.surendran.12?fref=pb&hc_locatio
n=friends_tab
Asha Sanil

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: UDF’s Asha Sanil is the KPCC secretary and State Vice President of Mahila
Congress. She is the member of the Ernakulam district panchayat representing
Koothattukulam Division.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/asha.sanil.9?lst=100013709284447%3A10
0002815824356%3A1522838776
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/…/kochi-roads-rivers…
Beena R. C

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Beena is the BJP’s district Vice President and was the Councillor at Aattukal,
Thiruvananthapuram.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/beena.rc.1?fref=pb&hc_location=friends_
tab
Dhanya Raman

Area of Expertise: Social issues, Tribal activism
Bio: Dhanya Raman is a Dalit activist working for Dalit and tribal people especially
women and children. Dhanya Raman has witnessed the harsh realities of thousands
of women and children who battle adversity every day of their lives. Working along
with Dalit she was able to understand their difficult situations and was able to
understand their real needs.
Resources: https://medium.com/women-in…/dhanya-raman-a4a60ab7bfd
Vaheeda. U

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Vaheeda is an advocate and a politician. She is one of the active members in
the Mahila Congress. Vaheeda is the state general secretary of Mahila Congress at
Indian National Congress.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005026309125…
Sneha R. V Nair

Area of Expertise: Acting, Politics
Bio: Sneha R. V Nair is a young politician and actress. She is the state wise
president at KSU and a post graduate in Political Science. She is a familiar face
among the television spectators through her characters portrayed in tv shows and
serials. She received the special jury mention by Kerala State Film Award 2014 for
her acting brilliance portraying the role of Deepa in the telefilm ‘Koodumattam’.
Resources: http://cinetrooth.in/…/sneha-r-v-nair-malayalam…/
https://www.facebook.com/sneharvnairhpd
Sheeja Madhu

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Sheeja Madhu is corporate member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She is the
Councillor at Thiruvananthapuram corporation.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/sheeja.madhu.102?lst=100013709284447
%3A100010855095633%3A1523079411
Swapna

Area of Expertise: Research, Politics
Bio: Swapna is a political researcher, political analyst and research writer. She is the
secretary of AICC Vichar Vibhag (Intellectual Wing) at Indian National Congress. She
is the Chairman at Society for Social Vision — SSV and Writer at Congress Ka
Sandesh.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/swapna.patronis.7…
Shobha Sudeesh

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Shobha Sudeesh is a politician. She is the KPCC executive member at Indian
National Congress. She was the panchayat president in munroethuruthu, Kerala and
the general secretary of KPYCC at Indian Youth Congress.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/shobha.sudheesh?fref=pb&hc_location=f
riends_tab
Anita Pratap

Area of Expertise: Journalism, Writing, Politics
Bio: Anita Pratap is an expatriate Indian writer and journalist. In 1983, she was the
first journalist who interviewed LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran. She won the George Polk
award for TV reporting for her television journalism related to the takeover of Kabul
by the Taliban. She was India bureau chief for CNN. She has written the book Island
of Blood based on Sri Lanka. In 2013 she was presented with the Shriratna global
award by the Kerala Kala Kendram an organisation associated to the Kerala
Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. She was nominated as the Aam Aadmi Party candidate
from Ernakulam, Kerala for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Resources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Pratap
Minimol Joy

Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Minimol Joy, Councillor of Mangulam division cochin corporation and district
secretary in Mahila Congress at Ernakulam district. She is an LLB graduate and wish
to participate in high court of Kerala.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/minimolpalarivattom?fref=pb&hc_locatio
n=friends_tab
Vidhya Sangeeth
Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Vidhya Sangeetha a socially committed and determined woman politician. She is
a lawyer, who represents the Communist Marxist Party (CMP) in the panchayat
council. She is in the Bar counsel of Kerala started career as the advocate in the
High court of Kerala under the junior ship of Adv. K.V. Sohan . Started politics in the
year 2010 as the Thrissur District panchayath member from mulamkunnathkavu
Division and started fight against corruption.
Resources: http://advvidhyasangeeth.blogspot.in/…/adv-vidya…
Arya S. R

Student Politician
Bio: Arya is Central Executive committee member and State Joint Secretary at SFI –
Students’ Federation of India. She was the chairperson at Kerala University Union.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/arya.s.sr.1?lst=100013709284447%3A100
004801182503%3A1525418579
Oormila Mohandas

Student Politician
Bio: Oormila is a young and active politician at DYFI. Currently she is the district
committee member of Democratic Youth Federation of India at Alappuzha
district. She was the area vice president and Mekhala joint secretary at DYFI. She
was also the executive member and area secretary at Balasngham at Alappuzha
district.
Resources:https://www.facebook.com/urmilaa.mohandas?fref=pb&hc_location=
friends_tab
Saritha

Student Politician
Sarithais is works for SFI. She is the Thrissur district committee member at Students
Federation of India and Manaloor Area President of SFI.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008253702608…
Indulekha Joseph
Area of Expertise: Law, Religion, Politics
Bio: Indulekha Joseph is an advocate at Kerala High Court and one of the leaders of
Kerala Catholic Church reformation movement (KCRM). She contested in the 2016
Assembly Election. She is on a mission to fight corruption and vote bank politics. She
was contest in Poonjar as an independent candidate.
Resources:https://www.thenewsminute.com/…/end-church-patriarchy…
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/…/indulekha-joseph-poonjar/E