Location: Masjid Bari Street, Kolkata
Award: Birangana Award by the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights
In the heart of Kolkata’s bustling streets, 16-year-old Soma Singh (name changed) shines as a testament to the transformative power of courage and compassion. A Class X student at Sumitra Patshala (name changed) and a dedicated member of the Child Parliament facilitated by Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC), Soma played a crucial role in rescuing her best friend, Karishma (name changed), from the horrors of human trafficking.
Karishma, just 14, had grown up in a life of instability and neglect. Born into an environment where survival often overshadowed dreams, Karishma yearned for love and security. While she found solace in her friendship with Soma, her vulnerability made her an easy target for manipulation.
One day, lured by the promises of a boy who professed love and security, Karishma made a life-altering decision to leave Kolkata and travel to Mumbai with him. Despite Soma ’s repeated pleas to reconsider, Karishma left, believing she was heading toward a better future.
Instead, her journey turned into a nightmare. Upon reaching Mumbai, the boy betrayed her, selling her into the dark world of human trafficking. Karishma, still a minor, faced brutal exploitation and abuse. Isolated and traumatised, she realised her only hope for escape lay in reaching out to Soma.
A Friend’s Bravery in Action
When Soma received Karishma’s desperate call for help, she acted with extraordinary resolve. Without hesitation, she informed the staff at Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC). Mobilising quickly, the team collaborated with the Kolkata Police, who alerted their counterparts in Mumbai. Together, they involved the Child Welfare Committee and coordinated a rescue operation to bring Karishma back to safety.
Soma ’s swift thinking and proactive efforts ensured Karishma’s return to Kolkata. Once rescued, Karishma was placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee, where she received the psychological support and counselling she desperately needed. Reunited with her family, she is now on a path to healing and recovery, with renewed hope for a brighter future.
A Story of Empowerment and Hope
Soma ’s courage exemplifies the values fostered by the Human Rights Project, implemented by KMWSC to uphold the rights of marginalised children, women, and people with disabilities. This project empowers young leaders like Soma to become agents of change, capable of identifying and addressing injustices in their communities.
Through her actions, Soma not only saved Karishma from unimaginable suffering but also inspired her peers to stand up against exploitation and injustice. Her bravery has become a symbol of what is possible when children are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and courage to act.
Recognition and Legacy
In honour of her exceptional bravery, Soma Singh was awarded the prestigious Birangana Award by the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Her story is a powerful reminder that courage is not bound by age — it resides in the willingness to act in the face of adversity.
Soma’s actions have left a lasting impact on her community, proving that even one determined young girl can bring about profound change. Her story serves as an inspiration for others to follow, reinforcing the belief that no matter how dire the circumstances, hope and courage can prevail.
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