Indian of the Year

Dedicated to the Indian Woman

India's Braveheart: She was the victim in India's most shameful story. And she went on to become the heroine in a people's war against apathy, weak laws and an archaic mindset.

Fighting bravely for her life in her hospital bed after she was raped and tortured in the most brutal way imaginable, she inspired a movement that caught the government napping.

The government finally passed a stronger anti-rape law and set up a fund for the safety and empowerment of women.

Though she lost the battle for her life, she has perhaps won India and the women of India one of their greatest wars, a recognition of their right to live as equals.