Without a father or any other financial support, the burden of survival fell heavily on Padma’s mother. Eventually, she became bedridden and severely ill. Padma had no choice but to begin working as a housemaid while still attending school.

Her younger sister, Manisha, was full of energy and mischief. Padma had to bathe her, tie her hair up, and make sure she was dressed and ready for school—while also caring for their ailing mother.

Padma remembers how difficult it was to manage everything, especially when she learned the truth: their grandfather had sold their mother into the red-light district. She was living—and dying—with AIDS because of that decision.

When their mother passed away, Padma was overwhelmed with grief and hopelessness. But that’s when her aunt, who was already connected with Project Rescue, stepped in.

Understanding the danger and desperation of the girls’ situation, she brought both Padma and Manisha to safety.

At Project Rescue, the sisters found a new life. Padma became a second mother to Manisha. The two of them finally experienced joy—shopping for clothes, going to school, and living without fear.

Seeing children around her going to school sparked something in Padma. She decided to pursue science, determined to find a cure for HIV—a disease that had taken her mother’s life. What once felt like a hopeless future became filled with purpose.

Now, Padma is achieving her PhD. She says,

“Project Rescue rescued me and prevented me from ending my life in the red-light area. I don’t want to see another Padma or another Manisha end up there. Now I’m working with Project Rescue, shoulder to shoulder, to rescue others.”

With her heart set on healing, Padma now brings hope to others who feel forgotten.

“If my mother sees me from heaven, she must be thinking that now no father will sell his daughter to the red-light area—because my daughter is working to rescue them.”