I didn't know I was a slave until I found out I couldn't do the things I wanted.

In 2014, I was working in a reputed organisation drawing a handsome salary and also holding decent post. I was responsible for various task and had a good repo. But an unfortunate event at home simply turned the tide and I felt like slave bounded by the organisation and ruled by my seniors. That feeling broke me apart. What I considered to be my pride, made me to think otherwise.

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It was an unfortunate events at home, when my Dad met with an accident. He required some immediate medical attention, and needs to be operated. On hearing the mis-happening, I quickly approached my seniors for few days leave, citing my family problem. There was noone with my Dad at that time except my Mom. Who does not want to be by their Dad side when he is in trouble? I did that so, but my seniors does not allowed me leave, they simply rejected the application saying that get him admitted in hospitals, and the hospital staff will look after him. They give some other lame excuses and even asking me to talk to the neighbours or relative to take care of him. I had some serious argument with the management. All my dedication and hard work for the organisation does not seems to be counted at the time of emergency. That event at the office table simply took me by surprise. Why we work for the organisation that does not have any soft corner or feeling for the family member. Anyway, rather than being oppressed by the management, I choosed my path and went to may Dad by going against the company.

It was the first instance in my Career when I realised, how each of the individuals working for corporate slowly were getting into the slavery. It is so strange that slavery still exist but with a difference.

Slavery is the brutal and immoral system of treating humans as property, depriving them of their liberty and forcing them to work against their will.

The things happened with me was no different. The company tried to take away my liberty, assuming as I am their property. The offer letter often mentioned 2-3 monthly leaves, but in reality, the employees were made or forced to avail them. The corporate organisation know how to make use of every employee in their organisation. The rights to leave were just on paper. The incident with me reminded me of the slavery, that existed long back but now just change its skin and got to a all new outlook. Modern slavery encompasses various forms of forced exploitation and lack of freedom.

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Slavery still exist in many parts of the world. Wgile aome of them get unnoticed, there are many instances which get easily highligted. People were forced to work on different cindition. Working individuals can be involved in modern slavery through debt bondage, where they are forced to work to pay off a debt, often with unclear terms and the possibility of generational debt transfer. Other forms include forced labor, where someone is compelled to work against their will, often with threats or coercion, and sexual exploitation, where individuals are forced into commercial sex work to settle debts or due to other forms of coercion.

This modern form of slavery is a significant global issue, impacting every country, and is exacerbated by factors like poverty, conflict, climate change, and gender discrimination, leading to exploitation and lack of freedom for vulnerable individuals. To eliminate slavery, one must combine global action and creating awareness. Educating ourself and others about the signs and indicators of modern slavery to recognize and report it. There are various means but people needs to be aware of the.

In good faith - Peace!!