Empowering Communities
Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Hili
In a small border town where the threat of cross-border crime looms large, community leaders, law enforcement officials and social workers gathered on Wednesday for a daylong awareness camp aimed at combating international and domestic human trafficking, with a particular focus on women and children.
The program, organized by the humanitarian group Manabata Samaj Sebi Sangathan, brought together religious leaders, security officials and child rights advocates in Hili, a town along the India-Bangladesh border that has long been considered vulnerable to trafficking networks.
Among the chief guests was Swami Prabodh Maharaj, head of the Tapan Radhagobinda Temple, who urged residents to build “a culture of vigilance and compassion” to protect vulnerable populations. Bhavna Sharma, Inspector-in-Charge of the Anti Human Trafficking Unit, 79 Battalion of the Border Security Force in Hili, addressed the gathering, outlining the role of border forces in preventing trafficking and rescuing victims.
Suraj Das, a child rights protection worker from Dakshin Dinajpur district, emphasized the importance of early intervention and community reporting mechanisms to curb exploitation before it takes root.
The event was conducted by Angan Sarkar, a leading member of the organizing body, who spoke about coordinated efforts between civil society and law enforcement. Guests were felicitated with ceremonial shawls, bouquets and mementos in recognition of their service.
In an effort to engage young participants, students performed a yoga demonstration organized at the initiative of Somnath Dutta, another key organizer. Officers from the Border Security Force also addressed the audience, reiterating their commitment to collaborative anti-trafficking operations.
Social activist Brihaspati Rabidas underscored the need for sustained public awareness, arguing that community education remains one of the strongest deterrents to trafficking networks. Representing the Dakshin Dinajpur District Legal Services Authority, legal aid worker and “Adhikar Mitra” Rita Mahanta provided information on free legal services available to victims and vulnerable families.
In his remarks, Swami Prabodh Maharaj called for a series of smaller, neighborhood-level awareness drives to amplify the message. Chandrima Sarkar, secretary of the organizing group, said similar initiatives would continue in the coming months to strengthen child protection systems across the district.
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