The leaders of a small antislavery movement in India tell us why they risk their lives and liberty to fight against exploitation
This year you are celebrating Odanadi's 25th anniversary, why did you start the organisation?
Stanly Kizhakeparambil Varghese and Parashuram Mynkanalli Lingegowda: Twenty-five years ago we were young journalists with masters degrees working for the Andolana Daily - a well-respected newspaper. We were investigating the plight of horse carriage drivers from the Dalit caste - the lowest and most discriminated against caste in India. While speaking to a group of drivers in the park, an unkempt lady interrupted us with taunts.
She accused us of using people's plight to make a name for ourselves and advance our careers. When she later told us her story - how she had been a child bride and was sold to a brothel by her husband, we were challenged to do more than just report what we'd heard. We decided to fight for change and started Odanadi.
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