Leher A. Sethi

Leher A. Sethi is a writer, social activist and cultural entrepreneur based in Delhi. Born in Madras and raised across India as an army child — from the hills of Shillong tothe plains of Haryana — she brings a lifetime of firsthand exposure to the country’s diverse cultures and regions. A Karmaveer Chakra Award honoree, she is a regular opinion contributor to India’s leading publications, including India Today, The Asian Age, National Herald and DailyO. Her essays tackle gender justice, women’s rights, and socio-political commentary with intellectual rigour and clarity.

As an entrepreneur, Leher has shaped India’s literary and media landscape by organizing and moderating significant book launches, cultural conversations and live events. This work with diverse stakeholders – governments, politicians and political parties on various projects – has afforded her a distinctive vantage point on contemporary issues. An avid reader and passionate writer, she brings narrative depth to pressing social and political matters. As a long-time political observer who has worked on the ground during Lok Sabha elections, she combines on-ground activism with intellectual analysis.

As a member of various POSH Committees, she brings lived expertise to issues of women’s rights and social empowerment. A founding trustee of multiple NGOs focused on women and child empowerment, she is currently completing three books on themes spanning trolling, rape and political commentary. Saffron Shadows is her debut book.