Aaboo Varghese
I’m Aaboo Varghese, Founder and Executive Director of Purnata, an organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and restoring dignity and purpose to survivors.
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With over two decades of experience in social development, leadership, and community transformation, I’ve spent the past 11 years building Purnata into a trusted movement that works across prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
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Our small yet resilient team has empowered hundreds of survivors through skill training, education, and employment — helping them rebuild their lives with confidence and hope. We also provide education and counseling support to children living in red-light areas, ensuring they have access to learning, guidance, and opportunities beyond the circumstances they are born into.
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I believe in creating holistic, sustainable solutions that give every individual the chance to live with freedom and dignity.
Stories of Prevention, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.
Arun’s Early Life As a 5-Year-Old
My name is Arun. I used to live with my mama in a small room in Sonapur. There were many aunties and uncles there. I didn’t know what they did, but they talked loud, sometimes laughed, sometimes cried. It was not a nice place. There was noise all the time. I didn’t have many toys, so I played with my friends outside.
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We played silly games. We acted like the big people. I didn’t know it was bad. It was just what everyone did. But some aunties didn’t like it. They said I was being rough and naughty. I shouted bad words too. I heard them a lot, so I said them too. At school, I didn’t listen. I threw things and ran around. My teacher said I was angry all the time.
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One day, people from Purnata came. They talked to my mama. She looked very sad and cried a lot. I didn’t know why. They said I will stay in a new house. Mama said, “Go, beta, be good.” I didn’t want to go. I held her hand tight. But they took me to a new home with a nice aunty and uncle.
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It was quiet there. No shouting. No men coming and going. They gave me food and toys. I started to smile again. I went to school and learned letters and songs. Now, everyone says I am a good boy. I say “thank you” and “sorry.” I don’t shout bad words anymore. I help others. I like drawing and playing ball.
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Sometimes, I miss mama. But I know she wanted me to be safe. I love her. I love the aunty and uncle too. They gave me a new life."
Make a Difference from Anywhere
You can be part of Purnata’s mission to end human trafficking. Join our 10-Minutes-a-Day Ambassador Program and help bring hope to women and children in need. No matter where you are in the world or how much experience you have, just 10 minutes of your time can make a real difference — and could help save a life.
Empower
Growth
Lost, But Not Forever - Reena
When I was just 12, my mother and I were taken away from our home with promises of a better life. But those promises were lies. We were separated, and for years I was moved from place to place, treated as if my life had no value.
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I remember feeling lost, scared, and invisible. No one knew where I was — not even my mother. But she never gave up searching for me. One day, a team from Purnata found out about my case and began looking for me. They had no picture, no papers, only my mother’s story. Still, they searched across states until, after many days, they found me.
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When they rescued me, I didn’t trust anyone. I couldn’t even speak freely. But then I saw my mother on a video call — and for the first time in years, I felt safe. Slowly, with Purnata’s care and counselling, I began to heal.
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Today, I am back home, rebuilding my life with hope and strength. My journey reminds me that even after years of pain, freedom and love can still find you.
Ramya - From Darkness To Light
My name is Ramya Das. When I was just ten, my mother left us, and I had to take care of my two younger sisters by myself. I was so small and scared, and I felt all alone in the world. Then I was taken to a red-light area where I faced terrible abuse and pain that no child should ever have to go through. When I was eleven, the one person I was supposed to trust the most—my own father—raped me when I visited home. After that, I lost all hope. I thought the world had turned its back on me. I felt that everyone was evil.
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For a short time, a kind old lady took us in, and it felt a little safer. But after she passed away, the abuse started again. One day, I got a bad burn from hot food and had to be taken to the hospital. The doctors found out I was six months pregnant. I was just a child, but I endured this challenge too. Even through so much pain, I chose to give my baby to a childless couple because I couldn’t care for him.
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My sisters begged on the streets of Mumbai, and one day they met some people from Purnata. They found us and, with help from the Child Welfare Committee, rescued me and my sisters. They placed us in safe hostels, where healing could finally begin. For the first time in years, I felt hope. Purnata’s staff kept checking on us regularly, making sure we were safe, cared for, and slowly rebuilding our lives. Today, my sisters and I are safe—thanks to those people who found us.
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At eighteen, I moved to Purnata Bhavan. There, I got counseling,
education, and training in skills like jewelry making and cooking. At first, I was quiet and kept my pain hidden, but slowly, I started to trust again and opened up. Months later, I proudly received my graduation certificate for the skills I acquired at Purnata. You might not see my face clearly in the photo, but I was so happy I couldn't stop smiling. I know this man was proud of me too. Today I know that good exists and prevails.
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Soon, I was training at the Bombay to Barcelona Café, which helps young people from difficult backgrounds. Now, I work there full-time, and people know me for who I am today. I am finally in the light.
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Though I lost hope many times, today I feel strong and hopeful again. My journey from darkness to light reminds me that even after the worst pain, healing and new beginnings are possible.