Urmila Chaudhary, a Nepali activist, was honored by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken with the Global Anti-Racism Champions Award at the U.S. State Department. Urmila, a former child laborer who was sold into servitude at the age of six, was rescued at seventeen and has since emerged as a powerful voice for marginalized castes and communities in Nepal. A Tharu community member, she played a crucial role in abolishing the Kamalari practice and co-founded the Freed Kamalari Development Forum, dedicated to empowering former bonded laborers. Currently studying law, she hopes to strengthen her fight against systemic injustice and caste discrimination.
In this interview with Lok Tiwari for NepYork, Urmila shares her journey, her challenges, and her vision for the future.
How did you start this campaign?
As they say, “leadership comes from experience.” I myself was a Kamalari from the age of six, forced into labor when I should have been in school, holding a notebook, not washing dirty dishes. During my time in bondage, everything was taken from me—my language, my education. That experience drove me to believe that girls shouldn’t be limited to servitude; they can hold books and pens too. That belief, and my own suffering, led me to join the campaign against the Kamalari practice in my Tharu community.
How does it feel to receive such a prestigious award from the U.S. State Department?
I never imagined this. From a young girl cleaning someone else’s utensils, to standing here, receiving recognition from the world’s most powerful nation—it’s surreal. This award is not just for me; it’s for the 13,000 other freed Kamalaris. It’s also recognition of Nepal’s efforts. I couldn’t have dreamt of this; it’s beyond anything I expected, a validation of our struggle.
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Challenges were numerous. I’m a woman from the Tharu community, and this fight wasn’t just against society but also against the privileged and educated class that upholds the system. Ending the Kamalari system was a deeply entrenched battle. There were times I was physically threatened and even attacked. Many girls were burned or hanged to death, or became young mothers. Despite these tragedies, we persevered. And though the Nepal government eventually declared the country free from Kamalari servitude, the struggles continue.
What is the current status of the freed Kamalaris?
Since liberation, many girls have pursued education or started businesses, proving they can excel if given a chance. While Nepal’s constitution now includes positive changes, justice remains elusive. There’s still no accountability for those responsible for past abuses. Our fight continues for justice and implementation of past agreements.
Is the Kamalari system still present?
Yes, it still exists in some form. Recently, news broke about a provincial lawmaker keeping a girl as a domestic worker. When politics protects such acts, it’s clear we’re not entirely free from this practice. It’s a disgrace.
How does the global community view this practice?
Globally, bonded labor and slavery are abhorred. Yet, in Nepal, the caste-based system marginalizes people like me. I don’t want to limit this fight to Nepal or one community. This is a fight against slavery everywhere.
What support do you seek for this movement?
This is not a personal or caste-based fight—it’s a battle against bonded labor, a system rooted in exploitation. The Nepalese government must address this at its core. I appeal to everyone to support and amplify our voices.