Dipankar's Story

The day probably wouldn’t have stood out in Dipankar’s mind.

It was just like every other day before it:

Trapped in cramped South Asian jewelry factories, working 14 hours under constant surveillance and threats of abuse, with no protective gear against harsh chemicals.

He had thought this job would be helpful for his family. Through it, he’d be able to earn enough money to support them while his father was sick. But it had been a lie. Instead of a reputable job, he was enslaved.

So just to get through each day, he would let his thoughts wander back to his village.

There, he could run and chase his friends by the riverbanks, their shrieks and laughter carrying along the water.

Even when it rained, their energy wouldn’t stop. Nothing could keep them from playing together.

“But there was no rain there [at the factories],” remembers Dipankar. “Just the dry, sweltering heat making us sweat all the time.”

So at night, he would close his eyes and replace the horrors of slavery with the sound of rain hitting his village’s soft sandy ground.

What Dipankar didn’t know was that as he was dreaming of his village, entire teams were dreaming of—and planning for—his freedom.

IJM teams had received an anonymous tip about his captivity and didn’t waste any time. They coordinated with local authorities, assembled five rescue teams, and planned every step of the operation.

Yet none of that could have happened without justice-loving Canadians like you.

Because your belief in the immeasurable value of freedom, your commitment to seeking justice and your incredibly generous donations…

“The police stormed in, and the doors that had always been locked flung open,” remembers Dipankar.

help fund rescue operations

All 76 boys and young men, including Dipankar, were rescued that day. Some of them had even been enslaved for 10 years—and didn’t believe they were truly free at first.

Yet it didn’t take long before “the boys couldn’t contain their joy,” remembers IJM staff Barnabas Pravin, an Aftercare Lead. “They were jumping, running inside the room, and hugged the IJM staff.”

The boys were brought to safety and soon travelled back to their homes and families. The rescue teams collaborated with local officials to ensure each of the boys received compensation, skill training and access to better life opportunities.

Dipankar himself was able to return to his village where he re-enrolled in school. IJM stayed connected with him to help guide and motivate him as he finished his education.

He is now on the path to a promising career and even uses his voice to raise awareness about bonded labour and slavery with IJM.

bring more freedom

And other people in his life see the change in him too! His mother says proudly, “We are seeing a different Dipankar now—more confident and with big dreams.”

Will you give today so more people can experience the same freedom and bright future as Dipankar? Together, we can ensure many more children, women and men say these same words:

“I am grateful to IJM for gifting me a new life. I feel confident to face challenges and will never allow myself to be exploited.”