15.5 million people are trapped in bonded labour around the world.
“I never thought I would be free,” says Sandeep. After all, when he and his family were trapped in bonded labour for eight years, they couldn’t see a way out.
They were tricked by someone they thought they could trust. Their rights, dignity and freedom had been stripped away. They were threatened with a debt they couldn’t pay, given next to no wages or food, forced to work 15-19 hours a day and subjected to deliberate psychological dehumanization over and over.
“When we were there, we were like dead bodies,” remembers Sandeep. “There was no happiness or sadness, and we didn’t talk. There was no such thing as relief for us. It was a miserable experience, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
Because of the atrocities Sandeep and his family endured, when their rescue finally came, it was an incredibly emotional time.
“I will never forget the moment they arrived in their vehicles to bring me to safety,” says Sandeep. “I burst into tears.”
It was an emotional scene even for the IJM staff supporting the government on the rescue. One staff member described: “I recall Sandeep and his father with tears in their eyes as they shared the abuse they endured. Some of the children had never been outside the facility, so they didn’t recognize chips and sweets when offered.”
Now, Sandeep and his family have resettled and are working with IJM teams to map their recovery needs.
They have received government rehabilitation aid and a bank account for financial independence. His children are enrolled in the local school, and the entire family has been given official ID cards as full citizens. Sandeep farms his own land, and together with local teams, they’ve advocated for a water pump to be installed on the land.
“I love watching my children play on our own land,” Sandeep reflects. “They keep reminding me of my freedom. It is unexplainable. Now, we are happy. We have been granted a new life.”
Not only that, but Sandeep has also emerged as a local survivor leader, sharing his story to help raise awareness of bonded labour where he lives.
He spoke at an IJM training for police officials with various local journalists and news channels present. He educates people on how to stay safe from trafficking and advocates for sustainable farming practices to keep communities resilient.
Above all, Sandeep is rebuilding his life on his own terms. “Freedom means being the king of our own hearts,” he explains. “Now, we are happy here. We have the freedom to work today… or not. Now we can do whatever we want, go anywhere, and meet our relatives… I have been granted a new life.”