To mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a global initiative established by the United Nations to raise awareness about human trafficking and protect the rights of victims, the Harmony Foundation, represented by its Founder-Chairman, Dr. Abraham Mathai, in collaboration with The Exodus Road India Foundation, represented by its Chairman and Director, Shyam Kamble, hosted an awareness and prevention programme at Wilson College. The event, titled “United Against Human Trafficking: Awareness, Prevention, and Online Safety,” brought together law enforcement officials, anti-trafficking practitioners, educators, and students to address the evolving realities of modern slavery and the growing risks posed by digital platforms in India.
The event was graced by Smt. Aswati Dorje, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she highlighted that human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and explained the legal safeguards provided under Article 23 of the Constitution and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA). She emphasized that trafficking is driven by well-organized criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals through deception, coercion, and false promises, stressing that victims are never at fault. Drawing on a previous case, she recounted how a woman travelling to Dubai was intercepted at Mumbai airport with a fake passport and was later identified as a victim of a prostitution racket. The case underscored the importance of timely intelligence, inter-agency coordination, vigilance, and early intervention in preventing human trafficking.
Smt. Aswati Dorje also warned of the emerging threat of cyber slavery and scam compounds, where young people are lured abroad with fraudulent job offers and subsequently trafficked to countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia, where they are forced to carry out online scams. Concluding her address, she noted that trafficking is rapidly evolving through digital platforms and also shared the various helpline numbers available to report cybercrime and seek assistance. Her address provided a comprehensive law enforcement perspective on combating human trafficking in India.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder-Chairman of the Harmony Foundation and former Vice-Chairman of the Minorities Commission, underscored the vital role of dedicated law enforcement officers in the fight against exploitation. He highlighted the 2025 rescue of a 12-year-old girl trafficked from Bangladesh, who had endured the horrific ordeal of sexual exploitation at the hands of more than 200 men over a period of three months. Her rescue was the result of a successful joint operation between the Harmony Foundation, The Exodus Road India Foundation, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the MBVV Police.
Dr. Mathai lauded the monumental efforts of officers such as Shri Niket Kaushik, Police Commissioner of MBVV, stating that without his personal intervention and support, this rescue would not have been possible. He also expressed his profound appreciation for the collective dedication and tireless efforts of all law enforcement personnel. Their timely intervention brought an end to a harrowing chapter in the girl’s life and reunited her with her parents. He noted that the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies form the bedrock of society’s defence against the scourge of human trafficking. Concluding his address, Dr. Mathai remarked, “Behind every rescue is a story of survival, behind every reunification is a family whose hope has been restored, and behind every survivor is a community that chose to care.”
Additionally, a social worker from The Exodus Road India Foundation delivered a presentation on digital safety. As traffickers increasingly exploit social media platforms and fraudulent job portals to recruit victims, the session focused on recognising digital red flags and adopting safe online practices. Using the example of scam compounds, the presentation highlighted the methods used by traffickers and outlined practical preventive measures to help protect young people seeking employment opportunities.
The Harmony Foundation and The Exodus Road India Foundation remain steadfast in their commitment to combating human trafficking. Through continued awareness initiatives, advocacy, survivor support, and rescue efforts, both organisations strive to protect vulnerable individuals and safeguard the lives and futures of children and adults affected by this heinous crime.
