Richa Chadha: Human trafficking is a global menace

Actors with a social conscience are a rarity in Bollywood. But Richa Chadha believes in going against the grain in an industry with its high glam quotient and unstoppable rumor mill. She has pledged her support to a campaign called A Bungalow on The Hill, whose main aim will be to provide shelter to rescued trafficked women. The actress has discovered common ground in actor Kunal Kapoor's online crowdfunding platform to raise money for an NGO named Purnata that enables rescued women to learn essential life skills.

'Since there are comparatively fewer NGOs, which help in rehabilitation of trafficked girls, we needed to find a way to ensure that these rescued women sustain themselves in an expensive city like Mumbai,' the actress was quoted as saying in a report. Talking about Purnata, she says it teaches lifescapes, embroidery, reading, writing and other basic vocations to the trafficked girls. 'They will also be taught how to use an ATM card, take a bus etc. The good news is that two women have already left the shelter and started their new lives. While one got married and works in a bag showroom, the other woman now works as a hairstylist,' says Richa.
According to Richa, human trafficking is a global menace. 'It's like modern-day slavery. I may not be able to prevent a million girls or boys from being trafficked, but I can at least help out 10-15 people I know,' says the actress.
Richa will be next seen in an Indo-American project titled 'Love Sonia' which is based on human trafficking.