From Bonded Labour to Leader: Telangana Tribal Woman's Inspiring Rise as Sarpanch
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In a remarkable turn of events, Purusaala Lingamma, a 40-year-old illiterate Chenchu Tribal woman from Nagarkurnool district in Telangana, has been elected as the sarpanch of Amaragiri village. Her journey, marked by decades of bonded labour in the Nallamala forests, came to an end when government officials rescued her and her family several years ago. In an exclusive interview, Lingamma revealed that her family was forced to work as bonded labourers, fishing in exchange for nets provided by their exploiters. The cycle of debt began with her parents, who were unaware of the amount they owed. 'We didn't even have food to eat those days,' she recalled. Lingamma's determination to improve her community's welfare led her to contest the Gram Panchayat elections, which were held in three phases in Telangana on December 11, 14, and 17. Despite facing opposition from her younger brother, who also contested the election, Lingamma emerged victorious. Her decision to run for office was encouraged by local residents and officials, who recognized her efforts in promoting community development. In fact, her 18-year-old daughter, who works as an Anganwadi teacher, is a testament to Lingamma's dedication to education. As the newly elected sarpanch, Lingamma has vowed to focus on improving roads, water, and electricity in her village, which has a population of approximately 300. With her election, Lingamma has become a beacon of hope for her community, demonstrating that even the most marginalized individuals can rise to leadership positions through determination and hard work.
