Moji Basar was a woman of great strength and courage who dedicated her life to helping others. She was born on October 23, 1967, in Guwahati, India. Moji was the youngest of seven siblings and grew up in a close-knit family. Her parents instilled in her the value of education and hard work, which became the foundation of her success.
Moji’s early years were marked by a passion for learning and a desire to serve her community. She graduated from Cotton College in Guwahati with a degree in Political Science, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. After completing her studies, Moji worked for several years in various organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme, where she worked to empower women and children.
However, it was during her time at the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research that Moji discovered her true calling. She witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by people living in rural areas of the Northeast, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and social and economic marginalization. Moji was deeply affected by these issues and was determined to make a difference.
In 2001, Moji founded the North East Network (NEN), a women-led organization that aims to empower women, promote gender equality, and support sustainable development in the Northeast region of India. Through NEN, Moji worked tirelessly to bring about social change and improve the lives of thousands of people in the region. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and worked to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination.
Moji’s work did not go unnoticed, and she received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions. In 2010, she was awarded the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship for her innovative work in social entrepreneurship, and in 2015, she was named a Woman of Distinction by the United Nations for her efforts to promote gender equality.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including threats to her safety and security, Moji remained committed to her work and continued to inspire others with her dedication and passion. Sadly, Moji passed away on June 9, 2017, after a brief illness. Her legacy lives on through the North East Network, which continues to carry out her vision and work towards a more just and equitable society.
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