For many of us, bonded labour seems like a distant concept—something that was abolished decades ago. But for countless others, it remains a harsh reality, with little chance of escape.
Marappa and Poornima spent over four years working at a brickyard, trapped in bonded labour. Their extended family was also caught in the web of debt, forced to work tirelessly to repay a loan that grew uncontrollably at the whims of the brickyard owner.
In 2014, they were freed during a rescue operation, but their struggle didn't end there. Faced with a difficult future, they decided to take action and founded Udayonmukha, an organisation that helps those freed from bonded labour access their rights and secure employment.
Today, Marappa and Poornima are a beacon of hope for many, empowering others to rebuild their lives after escaping bonded labour.