Dr Kumari, a long-time champion for women's causes, has worked tirelessly to promote women's political participation, combat domestic violence, and advocate for gender equality as a leader on the forefront of the women's movement in India.
The Lotus Leadership Awards, instituted by The Asia Foundation, New York recognize outstanding individuals who have made major contributions to the well-being of women and their communities in Asia. The awards will be given away on June 3 in New York.
The Asia Foundation will also honour Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and co-author of Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, a New York Times best-seller about the struggles women face, particularly in developing countries.