Quote by Manjula Padmanabhan: “Poverty is not just a lack of money; it's a lack of options, dignity, and a future.”

This quote defines poverty in a broader sense, explaining that it strips individuals not only of financial resources but also of opportunities, self-worth, and the ability to envision or pursue a better future. It highlights the profound systemic impact of economic deprivation.

Padmanabhan, as a cartoonist and writer, actively commented on social inequalities in India through her graphic novels and essays. This period reflected continued societal struggles with poverty and the growing advocacy for human rights and dignity for all.

Indian author, playwright, and illustrator, born in New Delhi in 1953. Her play Harvest won the Onassis Prize for Theatre in 1997, and her work consistently explores gender, technology, and power in near-future India. She is also known for her Suki comic strip and science fiction novel Escape.