A butterfly is a powerful symbol of hope. Hidden in the folds of leaves to unfolding its wings with shimmering colours and soaring high – the transformation is profound. That was the story behind 28 survivors who attended our flagship annual event, Seasons of Change – Euphoria 2025 recently held in Kolkata and Delhi.
The event was a celebration of hope, strength and resilience. We couldn’t be happier to see how far the survivors have come and what they achieved; from finishing school to getting jobs and being financially independent while successfully battling the odds of trauma and achieving healing since we first met them.
In Kolkata, Samir Baptist, Chief Executive Officer of VIHAAN launched the event by sharing the work of VIHAAN and how VIHAAN’s team feel grateful to witness the strength of the survivors. This was followed by encouraging words and an insightful dialogue session between the representatives from Social Venture Partners and survivors. The objective of this session was to enable the lead partners to understand the beneficiaries' life situations, challenges, and aspirations.
There were joint sessions for parents and children, as well as separate sessions throughout the day. Ms. Sonia Gidla, Principal of Douglas Memorial School, Barrackpore spoke on the importance of acquiring market-relevant skills to getbetter-paying jobs that can enable girls and women to take control of their lives and achieve financial independence.
Ujani, the Psychological Counsellor from VIHAAN led a session to honour and nurture the inner worlds of the survivors. By weaving mental health care into our programming, VIHAAN reaffirmed its dedication to the holistic well-being of trafficking survivors. Ms. Rita Paul, a distinguished member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of North 24 Parganas shared insights of the CWC in supporting child survivors of trafficking; they focus on efforts to help children reintegrate into society and offer them a chance to build stable futures. Central to her message was the emphasis on education, skill-building, and the critical role of the family in providing guidance and stability.
I am a student currently studying in Grade 9, and I aspire to build a career in law. There was a time in my life when I was misled and found myself on the wrong path.
However, with the support of VIHAAN, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and the legal system, I was able to turn my life around. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and care I received. It made me realize that there are many children like me whose lives can take unexpected and difficult turns, putting them at risk of being lost.
My dream is to become a lawyer so I can help such children find hope and a better future - just as I was helped by VIHAAN. I am aware that the challenges are great, and the forces working against vulnerable children are powerful and far-reaching. And, I need VIHAAN’s continued support as I work towards my goal. With their help, I am confident that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
-Survivor of human trafficking
When VIHAAN rescued me, I was just 13 years old. It was a time in my life when even those closest to me, even my family and parents had abandoned me. I received no support from them. My younger siblings would taunt and demean me, making me feel utterly alone.
In the early days after my rescue, I lived in constant fear. I was terrified that someone might come and take me away, or worse, try to harm me. Through all these hardships, VIHAAN stood by my side. For 13 long years, VIHAAN has been my unwavering source of support.
Today, I am 26 years old and earning. I cannot thank VIHAAN enough for being there for me when no one else was.
-Survivor of human trafficking
In Delhi, Heenu Singh, Head of Operations, VIHAAN opened the event. This was followed by Dr. Amrita Sahay's (Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS)) session on strengthening mental well-being for both survivors and parents to enhance self-awareness, manage stress and emotions, and integrate mindfulness in their day-to-day lives. Dr. Shatabdi Chakraborty, Additional professor, IHBAS gave insights on parenting techniques for supporting survivors, promoting resilience and healing and she acknowledged the immense strength, love and courage of the parents who are standing beside the child through their legal fight and healing journey.
A dedicated session for children on Building resilience, navigating trauma and peer pressure was led by Dr. Amrita Sahay. Anita Kapoor and Shehri Mahila of Kamgar Union spoke about varied government schemes to empower parents with knowledge about their rights, available support systems, and how to navigate formal procedures effectively. Joyful Connections, a balloon game to teach life lessons led by Volunteers from Rotary Club became a huge hit among children.
None of us can fully comprehend what these girls and women have gone through, but we can listen to them, support them and help them. The successful return and reintegration of survivors require skill training, educational support and rehabilitation assistance. That’s one of many reasons VIHAAN exists.
With generous partners like you, we were able to stand with these girls and young women. Our work has taught us - once they are given a chance, their resolve is as firm as ever. They are not here to be boxed up; they are here to conquer the world.
