From being a child labourer to Parvati’s dream of becoming a Police Officer

Parvati* was sold into domestic servitude at a young age, but rescued and supported by VIHAAN – and now pursuing a B.Com LLB with a dream to become a police officer.

Parvati was sold into domestic servitude by her aunt after the death of her father.

As a domestic help, Parvati’s days were long and cruel. Every day, she woke up around 5 a.m., cleaned the house, cooked breakfast as well as lunch, cleaned the dishes, washed and ironed clothes, took care of the garden and headed to the local market to purchase groceries, and by evening, again cooked dinner and carried out other household chores. 

In addition to hard labour, she was forced to serve alcohol to guests. And worse, she endured daily physical abuse from her owner and lived in fear of speaking out, even to the police. She had hardly anything to eat and found very little time to sleep. It was taking its toll on her little fragile body. She struggled in the gruelling conditions of work for many months. 

Parvati's struggles as a child labourer came to an end the day VIHAAN, in partnership with Hennur Police in Bengaluru, rescued her.

After her rescue, Parvati was placed in a government-run care home for girls. VIHAAN’s aftercare team visited her frequently and were pleased to find Parvati enjoying her childhood: playing with friends, laughing and rediscovering what it meant to be a child. She began attending group activities, and with the support of trained counsellors, Parvati started her journey toward healing from trauma that ran deep.

Our counsellors along with the members of the Care and Support team worked tirelessly to conduct a thorough home investigation. They met Parvati’s grandfather who pleaded to make sure that she could study and stand on her own feet.

VIHAAN created a detailed care plan and advocated before the Child Welfare Committee to transfer Parvati to another home, where she could receive more support. She was enrolled in school and joined Class 3 and for the first time, she wore a uniform, carried books, and entered a classroom as a student.

Her journey wasn’t always easy. Having never attended school before, Parvati found academics challenging. But with patient, loving support from teachers and VIHAAN, she persevered. She completed Class 7. Since the facility only supports education up to Class 7, VIHAAN intervened once again. Parvati transitioned to another home, where she continued her education and completed her 2nd PUC.

Now,  Parvati is pursuing a B.Com LLB programme with a dream of becoming a police officer and helping children like her. 

Also, Parvati resides at an aftercare home, supported by VIHAAN where she receives spoken English classes, counselling, computer training and part-time work opportunities. This home is designed to help young people transition into independent adulthood. For Parvati, it’s the ideal environment to grow, thrive, and prepare for her future.

Parvati's journey is a testament to what’s possible when the rescue of child labourers is followed by care, support and hope. Parvati is no longer a victim of her past, she is the author of her future.

*Name has been changed to protect survivor's identity.