In 2023, Raju* was rescued from a brick kiln in Bihar, along with his wife and four children. After suffering six years of bondage, their restoration journey began with a return to their home and family.
Subsequently, with the help of a local Justice Hub, Raju recovered the legally mandated minimum wages to which he had been entitled during his tenure as a bonded laborer. All his children enrolled in school, and he used the back wages he had received to earn a livelihood through duck and goat farming.
In addition, he worked as a daily wage worker in various construction jobs. His example and courage motivated his community to explore duck and goat farming and look for jobs in local villages. Through his effort and the support of the Justice Hub, the community is now receiving food rations from the government.
Recently, Raju mobilized the community to repair a broken borewell by sharing the cost among each household, to restore their drinking water. This was important to keeping the agricultural land tilled and watered regularly. Raju has emerged as a community leader, with people relying on his guidance, which has given him the confidence to participate in the upcoming local election.
*Name changed to protect identity.
