Rose Xaxa is a dedicated tribal activist from the Gumla district of Jharkhand who has emerged as a powerful champion for the forest rights of indigenous communities. Following the enactment of the Forest Rights Act in 2008, Rose took on the crucial role of educating and empowering Adivasi villagers to understand and assert their legal rights over forest lands and resources. She started by forming self-help groups and providing tailoring and vocational training to women, helping build their economic independence alongside their social empowerment.
Through her persistent grassroots efforts, Rose has enabled many tribal families to secure official recognition of their land rights, protecting them from displacement and exploitation by external forces. Her work not only preserves tribal culture and livelihoods but also promotes sustainable forest management practices rooted in traditional knowledge.