Born in 1955 into the illustrious Modi family of Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, Rekha Mody’s life journey is a testament to her deep-rooted values of social responsibility and cultural enrichment. Despite her privileged upbringing, Rekha’s early exposure to the struggles of the underprivileged shaped her empathetic outlook. Educated in a school attended by the children of laborers in Modinagar and later at a high school in Gwalior alongside tribal girls, she imbibed a sense of social justice early on. Her academic journey culminated in a first-division Bachelor of Arts degree from Meerut University, but her real education came from life experiences that fueled her passion for social change.
Rekha’s multifaceted career is an inspiring tapestry of achievements. She is a connoisseur of art, a publisher, a philanthropist, and a tireless advocate for women’s rights. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish a bookshop in Kolkata, which she later transformed into an art gallery housing exquisite artworks. Rekha was instrumental in bringing Sotheby’s, the renowned art auction house, to India 28 years ago. Her passion for literature saw her working as a literary agent, promoting the translation of Indian regional literature into English and showcasing these works internationally. She also pioneered Kolkata’s first FM radio station, further expanding her creative pursuits.
Driven by her belief that true leadership lies in service, Rekha founded several charitable organizations. In 1984, at the age of 29, she answered an inner calling to launch a cultural revolution with a strong emphasis on social development. She established the Divya Chaya Trust, a public charity that, in collaboration with the UK-based Save A Child, works to restore hope and opportunities for underprivileged children. Rekha also founded Garutman Pvt Ltd, a publishing house promoting quality Indian literature, and the Habiart Foundation, dedicated to promoting contemporary art and traditional craft.
However, Rekha’s most profound impact has been in the sphere of women’s empowerment. She founded Stree Shakti – The Parallel Force, a women’s networking forum that aims to bring clarity to women’s issues and recognize their achievements. In the 1990s, when few platforms existed to honor women, Rekha launched the Stree Shakti Awards in 1998 to celebrate women who dared to dream and turned those dreams into reality. One of the most prestigious recognitions under this initiative is the Dayawati Modi Stree Shakti Samman, named after her grandmother, Dayawati Modi—a legendary social reformer and educationalist known for her motto, “Work is Worship.”
Rekha’s commitment to women’s rights is unwavering. Recently, she expressed her support for Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta’s letter to the Chief Justice of India, challenging a controversial order by the Allahabad High Court in a sexual assault case. Rekha emphasized the need for judicial sensitivity and intervention to uphold women’s dignity and safety. Her organization, She Leads, has also successfully lobbied for progressive policies, including free transport for women in select states. Rekha Mody’s life is a powerful narrative of art, activism, and advocacy—an inspiration for generations to come.
