In a powerful testament to resilience and democratic empowerment, a woman who spent decades in bonded servitude has been elected to lead her village in Telangana. Purusula Pedda Lingamma, a 60-year-old from the Chenchu tribal community, is the new Sarpanch of Ramagiri village in Nagarkurnool district, marking an extraordinary journey from exploitation to elected office.
A Life Defined by Servitude
Lingamma's freedom only arrived in 2016, when government authorities conducted a rescue operation in the area. She was among 106 individuals liberated from bonded labour that year. Officials stated that many, like Lingamma, had been trapped in this cycle for up to thirty years. "All I can remember is that I was a bonded labourer with my family since my childhood," Lingamma recalled, describing a past where liberty was a distant dream.
The practice was concentrated in Ramagiri and nearby villages, where 44 Chenchu tribals were allegedly forced into bonded labour by three local businessmen controlling the fishing trade. These individuals were paid meagre wages, pushed into debt, and compelled to work exclusively for their employers, repairing nets and fishing.
The Path to Liberation and Leadership
Following their release, the rescued workers formed an association to rebuild their lives and advocate for their rights. Lingamma quickly emerged as a pivotal voice within this collective. "I was at the forefront of taking up the issues of the Chenchu tribals with the government," she said. Her advocacy and dedication to community welfare inspired the villagers of Ramagiri to encourage her to contest for the Sarpanch's post, which was reserved for Scheduled Tribes in the December 14 polls.
The election, however, presented a personal challenge. Lingamma won with 133 votes, but her younger brother also contested and secured 91 votes. "I was a bit disturbed, but I realised this happens in politics. I hold no grudge," she stated, focusing instead on her new responsibilities. Six ward members were also elected alongside her.
A New Chapter for Ramagiri Village
Lingamma's election is symbolic of a profound shift for the village's 300 families. Her brother-in-law, Kurumanna, who spent over a decade in bonded labour, noted that the pervasive fear of the past is now gone. The new Sarpanch's immediate challenges are as practical as they are symbolic; even contacting her requires travelling to a spot with network connectivity, highlighting the infrastructural gaps she aims to address.
Her victory represents more than a personal achievement; it is a beacon of hope and a promise of tangible change for the marginalised Chenchu community. From repairing fishing nets for masters to now steering the development of her entire village, Lingamma's journey underscores the potential for empowerment when systemic barriers are removed and justice is served.
