Benzi Johnson, India

“I like the simplicity of life”, that is Benzi Johnson’s basic principle in life. A social worker, leader and activist, Benzi lives the Gandhian value of simplicity and humility as a firm believer and practitioner of nonviolence. A very soft spoken person, Benzi is also an expert acupressure therapist, and for that reason, one of the most sought after persons in the group of the padyatree. 

Born in kottayam, Kerala, Benzi and has been with Ekta Parishad, an organization working for land, water and forest  rights, for the last 15 years. She studied Sociology and History for her masters and started working as a social activist thereafter.  

She has worked as project coordinator of Tsunami affected areas, Alappad and Arattupuzha, Kerala, a state affected by the 2004 Tsunami. Her dedication to rehabilitation of Tsunami displaced people and rejuvenation of the affected areas brought recognition of her work when she was awarded The Citizens Vigilance social Award.  

Benzi is a multitalented person and had also ventured into documentary making. Her documentary, ‘Punarjeni’, dealt with the effects of the 2004 Tsunami and the following rejuvenation of the devastated areas. Benzi runs an organic farm with village women in Kudumbasree, her hometown, and is also the state level coordinator for Ekta Parishad, women ‘s group. 

“Jai Jagat is spreading awareness for Peace and a sustainable world, and this is required in the context of the current world crisis which is why I consider myself blessed to join this peace march”.