Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day—a day to spotlight the hidden crime of human trafficking and take meaningful action to combat it. At the forefront of this fight is Project Help India, partnering with local police to rescue women and children whose lives have been devastated by the scourge of poverty. For many, poverty leads to heartbreaking choices, with individuals sold into exploitation, often disappearing forever. Through courageous efforts, Project Help India and its collaborators are bringing hope, reuniting families, and restoring dignity to those who have been stolen by this tragedy.
Today, let us join this mission to shine a light on injustice and advocate for those who are most vulnerable - the poorest of the poor. Meera’s story, which is based on a recent true situation, is a testament to the power of partnerships between dedicated organisations such as Project help India and local authorities in rescuing vulnerable individuals and restoring hope to families torn apart by exploitation.
Meera’s Story
Please note that all names and locations have been changed to protect the privacy of those concerned
A 30-year-old woman named Meera, who was found wandering in the forests near a small town in northern India three months ago, has now been reunited with her family. With the assistance of local police, Meera was taken to a shelter, XXX Ashram, where she received medical care and emotional support as part of her recovery.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Director of Project help India, Amit Samuel, and the local police’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Meera’s home village was identified after a thorough investigation involving multiple interviews. Eventually, Meera was reunited with her extended family in a rural village in central India.
Her family, who had long believed she had passed away, was overwhelmed with joy upon her return. The entire village gathered to celebrate and express their gratitude for the rescue effort. However, the reunion also shed light on the harsh realities her family faces. Meera’s husband and three young children, aged 6, 3, and 1, are struggling to survive under severe financial hardship. It was also revealed that Meera’s mental health had been deteriorating for some time before her disappearance.
Allegations have since surfaced that due to the significant hardship that he was facing, Meera’s husband may have sold their youngest child, a claim that is now under active investigation. In the meantime, Meera has been entrusted to the care of her aunt, who will support her as she rebuilds her life.
The involvement of Project Help India in assisting the police in anti-human trafficking matters is only possible thanks to the financial generosity of our supporters. On behalf of Meera, and other women and children … we extend our heartfelt thanks.