Labor Day spotlight on Roots For Freedom's founder, Gopal V. Rampatna

In honor of Labor Day, we are proud to highlight our valued partner organization in India, Roots For Freedom (RFF). In 2022 alone, RFF successfully identified 4,317 individuals from bonded labor and started them on the path to freedom. Since RFF’s inception, the organization has established an impressive 1,372 self-help groups.

Gopal V. Rampatna, who is a survivor of bonded slavery himself, spearheads RFF. Gopal's journey into activism began when he faced tremendous adversity as a child witnessing the injustice and exploitation faced by his family of bonded laborers. From the young age of 6 years old, Gopal worked alongside his father plowing the fields, taking care of animals, and cleaning their landlord's house. He vividly remembers the daily struggle for food. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he persevered, driven by the desire to alleviate his family's suffering. When he was 14 years old, Gopal was freed and went on to finish his education and complete his university degree.

Meeting his wife Rathnamma was a turning point for Gopal. She boosted his confidence and gave him new hope for a brighter future. Since meeting, they have dedicated themselves to the movement against bonded slavery, striving to liberate those who are enslaved, provide education, and advocate for the local government to issue certificates of freedom, provide rehabilitation grants, and provide land.

Rathnamma leading a woman's self-help group meeting.

Most recently, RFF helped Ajay, Suma, and their two children ages 6 and 8 years old, break free from bonded slavery. This family of four had been toiling in the coffee industry, with the young children working alongside their parents much like Gopal did. Their tasks included field work, such as spraying pesticides and handling manure. Thanks to the assistance of Roots For Freedom, the family was released at the end of June 2023. The organization exerted immense effort, spending two consecutive days at the government office until they received the certificates of freedom for all four of the family members.

Needless to say, we are in awe of Roots For Freedom’s achievements!

Ajay, Suma and their two children after receiving their certificates of freedom and a month’s worth of food.