670. Robin Chaurasiya

Robin was born and raised in the US with a very religious and schizophrenic mother as well as a violent and atheist father. At 14, Robin started volunteering with various non-profits organizations and traveling the world, two lifelong passions which led her to work with dozens of NGOs and travel nearly 100 countries. After spending several years in the US Air Force, Robin was kicked out for being lesbian which led to her new life as an activist. At 24, she started Kranti, an NGO that empowers survivors of trafficking and daughters of sex workers from Mumbai's red-light areas, where she lived and worked for a decade. In 2020, Robin moved to a mud hut at 13K feet in the Himalayas without any water, electricity or toilet. For over a year, she wasn't online, didn't read any book and didn't speak with anyone. In July 2021, she started working part time from the mountains and became a certified BatGap addict. She returned to civilization in August, 2022 and will return to the mountains (temporarily) in January, 2023!

Kranti: kranti-india.org

Donating to Kranti:

savethechild.org Tax exempt for US donors.)
Milaap: Help the Survivors of Trafficking (India-based, doesn't deduct fee. Not tax exempt for US donors.)
Donating to Happy Feet Home (hospice for terminally ill children)

Contact Robin

PDF with more info about Robin, her upcoming book, and Kranti

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded November 20, 2022

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:05:40 - The Motivation of Kranti
00:10:15 - Childhood Memories and Spiritual Moments
00:15:03 - Childhood Curiosity and Spiritual Exploration
00:19:28 - The Age of 12: Dreams, Stealing, and Non-Existence
00:24:21 - The Key Players in My Journey
00:29:01 - The Unstoppable Desire
00:33:48 - Overcoming Challenges and Unexpected Help
00:37:57 - A Moment of Realization and Gratitude
00:42:55 - The Impact of Extraordinary Girls and Gender Inequality in India
00:47:49 - Taking in the Kids
00:52:43 - Unexpected Meeting in Glastonbury
00:57:30 - The Neo-Advaita Movement
01:02:28 - The Beauty of Seeing People in Their Perfection
01:07:05 - The Purpose of Life and Finding Happiness
01:11:23 - From Sex Worker to Drum Circle Facilitator
01:15:57 - The Generosity of an Illiterate Sex Worker
01:20:41 - Compassion in the Red Light Area
01:25:10 - Girl's Perception and Plans for the Future
01:29:30 - Supporting Children in Mumbai
01:33:36 - The Value of Love and Support
01:38:24 - The Process of Burnout and Seeking Guidance
01:43:03 - Surrender and Letting Go
01:48:08 - The Changes Within Our Body
01:52:34 - The Beauty of Individual Awakening
01:57:04 - Treating Everyone as a Buddha
02:01:31 - Cursing at God
02:05:45 - The Role We Play in the World
02:10:41 - The Dream of Existence and Ecstasy on the Mountains
02:15:43 - The Journey of Love and Crying
02:20:43 - Godding with Himself

Empowering girls in red-light areas for social good | Robin Chaurasiya, India | Global Teacher Prize

Robin's hut at 13,000 feet in the mountains of Nepal: