Pallabi Ghosh, Founder and Director of the Impact and Dialogue Foundation, has dedicated nearly a decade of her life to rescuing children from the clutches of traffickers. Born and raised in Lumding, Assam, Pallabi's journey began at the age of 12, when she encountered her first case of trafficking. Since then, her tireless efforts have led to the rescue of over 10,000 girls and boys, making her a prominent figure in the fight against human trafficking in India.
From Lumding To The Frontlines
Moving to Delhi for her graduation in 2012,Pallabi Ghosh joined the NSS cell of Delhi University and later completed her Master's in Gender Studies in Chennai.
In an interview with Her Circle, Pallabi said that poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment are the primary drivers of trafficking in India. ’Very early on, I discovered the alarming reality that a significant number of girls and women were being trafficked from Bengal, Orissa, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh to Haryana and Punjab due to a significant gender ratio disparity in these states. It was during my graduation that this realisation struck me.’
Early Encounters
About the beginning of her journey, she says, ’One of the most impactful encounters occurred during my college days. There was this girl who told me that the language I speak was common among women and mothers in her village. I requested her to take me to her village. Initially hesitant, she eventually agreed. As I spoke a few words in Bengali—asking about their origins and arrival—one girl in the crowd burst into tears. She exclaimed, 'Are you from Bengal?' What unfolded was a heart-wrenching tale of love and betrayal. The girl had fallen in love and her partner had promised her a bright future. They travelled from Howrah to Delhi, where her dreams were shattered. She pointed to a man in his late forties or early fifties, revealing that he was now her husband.
This poignant encounter fuelled my determination to delve deeper into the complex world of human trafficking. It served as a stark reminder that behind every statistic is a heartbreaking story, propelling me to continue my fight against this dark reality.’
Rescues & Rehabilitation
Pallabi's work extends beyond rescuing victims. She emphasises the importance of empowering survivors through rehabilitation and community counselling. Her approach involves mapping areas affected by trafficking, identifying livelihood opportunities for survivors, and conducting awareness campaigns in rural areas. Pallabi believes that holistic change requires not just the rescue of victims, but also addressing the root causes of trafficking.
In 2020, she founded the Impact and Dialogue Foundation, focusing on the prevention of human trafficking at its source. The organisation collaborates with social welfare departments and village council leaders, raising awareness on trafficking, gender-based violence, the negative effects of social media, and destigmatising the survivors of trafficking.
’The root cause is often overlooked; everyone focuses on rescuing, but why is nobody working to prevent it? The emotional toll is immense. News reports, while highlighting rescues, sometimes fail to address the sensitive nature of the issue. As a first responder, witnessing triggering questions directed towards the rescued children during interviews, affected me deeply. It became more about sensationalism than the gravity of the trafficking problem. The lack of sensitive journalism compounds the trauma experienced by these children, emphasising the urgent need for a more compassionate approach.’
The Journey Ahead
Pallabi Pallabi's unwavering dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking has made her a beacon of hope in the fight against this heinous crime. Her work not only addresses the immediate needs of survivors, but also tackles the root causes of trafficking, aiming for sustainable change. In a society where trafficking continues to be a pervasive issue, individuals like Pallabi Pallabi serve as an inspiration and a force for positive transformation.
