Do you think the absence of a guardian or negligence by family members can sometimes contribute to child trafficking?
This is the story of Nagina, inspired by the rescue operations conducted by Manobal in 2024. It is a tale of neglect, exploitation, and eventual survival—a harsh reminder of the realities many children face.
Nagina grew up in a small town in Uttar Pradesh with her two sisters and a brother. Her life took a tragic turn when she lost both her parents. After her elder sister got married, Nagina moved in with her, hoping for support and care. However, at 12 years old, she was sent to Delhi to work as a domestic helper. Her job is Taking care of children in someone else’s home.
The irony was stark—Nagina herself was just a child. When she resisted, her protests were dismissed. She was forcibly sent to Delhi, where her days were consumed with caring for two young children. Meanwhile, her elder sister collected her salary each month, leaving Nagina trapped, unable to make her own decisions or move about freely.
Instead of attending school, Nagina was burdened with endless household chores. When she should have been playing with friends, she was responsible for the well-being of children who weren’t much younger than herself. The family that should have protected her had instead pushed her into a life of servitude.
For almost two years, Nagina endured this hardship. She tried to voice her desire to stop working, but her elder sister always dismissed her, offering one excuse after another. Eventually, Nagina realized that help would never come from her family. In desperation, she seized an opportunity to escape, leaving the house with no plan, no support, and no one to turn to.
Alone and vulnerable, Nagina found herself on the streets. One fateful day, while resting in a park, she encountered a man who seemed kind at first. But this man saw her helplessness as an opportunity. He took her with him and sold her to a brothel in Delhi for a large sum of money. She was just 14 years old.
What followed was a nightmare no child should endure. Nagina’s innocence was stolen, and her life was reduced to unimaginable suffering.
Thankfully, her story did not end there. Nagina was rescued during one of Manobal’s operations. Today, she lives in a shelter home, surrounded by people who are helping her rebuild her life. But the scars of her past remain. Every day is a struggle—she is undergoing therapy and medication to cope with the trauma.
Her story is a stark reminder that negligence, even from family, can lead to devastating consequences. It also underscores the importance of vigilance, education, and collective action in the fight against human trafficking.
Even now, countless daughters like Nagina are denied the right to education and a safe childhood. While some children are learning and dreaming of a better future, others are being sold into a life of despair.
Let Nagina’s story inspire us to act—to protect, educate, and empower every child. Together, we can build a world where no child falls victim to such tragedies.