Rescued from slavery, Duars girl makes it big

Puja

Abhay Singh, SNS, NEW DELHI, 24 SEPT: At the age of 10, Puja Kachu was rescued from a life of slavery. The girl from Darjeeling has not looked hack since then and is now the proud recipient of a bronze medal at a state level Taekwondo match.

Talking to The Statesman, Puja said girls should strive for success as they have the power to achieve anything in life. ''No matter how bad the situation is, if there is a will there is a way," she said. adding that womens empowerment is very necessary.

Puja who is a native of Alipurduar district of West Bengal, was earlier forced to work as a labourer. She recalled how her employer reprimanded her for every trivial mistake. At 10, she was required to do all sorts of household chores, work in the field and take care of two children of nearly her own age.

Fortunately for Puja life took a different turn. Rescued in 2012, she started responding to the opportunities provided to her through a Caritas project by Bal Suraksha Abhiyan (BSA), a local NGO in Darjeeling.

"She wanted to play and had joined a school in Darjeeling. In August this year, she bagged a bronze medal in a state level Taekwondo match." Sister Subeshna, director of BSA and also a member of Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Darjeeling said, adding that her bold nature supports her personality.

Talking about Puja's earlier life, Srijana Pradhan, coordinator from 'BSA, said when she was rescued, she was not even able to talk properly. "Like many rescued children, she has a knack for sports. She has played two hockey matches so far for the West Bengal State team with outstanding performance," said Srijana.

Puja is now studying in standard five at St. Michael School, Darjeeling. Puja told The Statesman that she wanted to become a police officer so that she can save the lives of many others who work as child labourers.