Recuperated from servitude, a couple in Tamil Nadu gets to vote after 15 years

After almost 15 years, J Gopi (36), and his wife Sumathi (35), who were bonded laborers from Tiruvallur, are eager to exercise their right to vote on Friday. They are free from the grips of exploitation. After being saved in 2020, this will be their first time taking part in the voting process.

The pair, who were from the Irular group, were married before they were even adults, and when they left their home village of Varathapuram in the Poondi block of Tiruvallur in pursuit of employment, their lives took a terrible turn.

They received an advance of Rs 20,000 in 2014 and were lured in with the promise of a well-paying job as tree cutters. Nevertheless, they quickly discovered that their little salary kept them trapped in a cycle of exploitation.

Revenue officers eventually saved the couple and their daughter in 2020 after receiving a tip. Following their rescue, Gopi began working at a government rice godown, while Sumathi learned how to sew by watching YouTube tutorials.

“I recall going to vote for the first time in my hometown. But shortly after, we moved out due to a falling out with our parents. We couldn’t cast our ballots because we were awaiting the required paperwork, even though two elections (the assembly election and local body polls) had already taken place following our release, said Gopi.

The pair said that they will support the political party that works to improve the Irula tribal group. They said, “We have also been listening to some of the campaign speeches from other districts.” Currently, the pair resides in the Tiruvallur district’s Ramapuram.