“Hundreds of liberated Kamleris have not been rehabilitated “

Nepali Girl Urmila Chaudhary has been awarded Global Anti-Racism Champion award by The US State Department for Chaudhary outstanding leadership and commitment to promoting the human rights of marginalized castes and ethnic communities in Nepal.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu, announcing the award, praised Chaudhary’s tireless work against racial discrimination and caste-based inequality. They highlighted her advocacy for equal access to education, justice, and economic development, describing her efforts as truly inspiring.

“Urmila has shown incredible leadership and commitment to advancing human rights for marginalised castes and ethnic communities in Nepal,” US Embassy in Kathmandu said. “Her tireless work to combat systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia, while advocating for equitable access to education, justice, and economic development, is truly inspiring.”

A former Kamalari (indentured servant), Chaudhary spent 11 years in bondage before her release on January 15, 2007, and has since been involved in the campaign to end the Kamalari system in Nepal.

In addition to Chaudhary, the US State Department also awarded other prominent activists, including Dinti Sule Tayiru from Ghana, Elvis Shakjiri from North Macedonia, Tanya Duarte from Mexico, Tomasa Yarhui Jacome from Bolivia, and former Dutch lawmaker John Leerdam.

The award, established in 2023 by the US government, is given to individuals in civil society worldwide for their exemplary and courageous work.

Chaudhary, who herself was a Kamlari in her childhood, has been given this award for her significant contribution in the eradication of Kamlari system, promotion of racial equality, justice and human rights.

“The award has further encouraged me to work for the children of the underprivileged and backward communities,” she said, speaking to Himal Khabar from the US, “I dedicate this award to all the Nepalis and all the friends who have been rescued along with me and who have co-travelled to eradicate the Kamlari system. “

Although it is an honor to receive the award given by a powerful country in the world, there is still much to be done for justice and equality. “Hundreds of liberated Kamleris have not been rehabilitated, they have to fight for their rehabilitation, justice and equality,” she said.

Chaudhary, who is studying BA LLB at Kathmandu School of Law, said that after completing her studies, she aims to provide legal assistance to the children of poor families like hers. “The way I came here after struggling through suffering, I want to work as a friend of many girls who are living a difficult life like me,” she said.

Choudhury has received many awards at the national and international level for her significant contribution to the eradication of Kamlari system. Six years ago, the Netherlands awarded Urmila with the Laureate Freedom from Fair Award 2018. The award, which is given every two years, has previously been given to Pakistani child rights activists Malala Yousafzai, Aung San Suu Kyi, Hussein Ibrahim Saleh Al.

To date, he has received six international awards. He has also received the United Nations Youth Courage Award for Education and the International Human Rights Award.

Who is Urmila Chaudhary?

Urmila is the daughter of Phoolat Chaudhary and Khalsi Chaudhary, residents of Garhwa Gram Panchayat-7, Manpur, Dang. She has four brothers & one sister .

As the economic condition was weak, her family used to earn their livelihood by taking over the land of the landlord. Kamaiya and Kamlari had to stay in the house of Sahu as bonded laborer’s.

Urmila was taken to Kathmandu at the age of 6 to keep in Sahu’s house. At the age of going to school with a pen and paper, She was made to hold a pot in his hand. She had to wash dishes, wash clothes, and clean the house.

The work of the master’s house became a heavy burden for her “I thought it was written in my destiny,” Urmila recalls that time.

A few years later, NGOs Swan Nepal and FNC launched a campaign to eradicate Kamlari in Dang. The campaign that started from the village also reached the city. The expedition started from West Terai district and reached Kathmandu. During the same campaign, after 11 and a half years of Kamlari life, she got rid of it on 1 May 2063.

The post-rescue campaign

As soon as she got rid of the slave life of the landlord ‘s house, she took part in the campaign to eradicate the Kamlari system. After seeing his activism he was made the leader of Kamlari eradication campaign in the riots. She was the co-ordinator of the Common Campaign for the Abolition of the Kamleri. Two years later, Dang was declared a Kamlari-free district under her leadership.

Other freed Kamleris joined the campaign to abolish the Kamleri system. Their movement was supported by various organizations and groups.

Mukta Kamalri Vikas Manch was formed under the leadership of Chaudhary. Then from one district to another, their campaign gained significance. Especially through Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur, the movement against Kamalri system became nationwide. The Kamlari Liberation Movement gained momentum under the leadership of the platform she led.

As a result of pressure from all sides, the government announced the release of Kamalri on 13th April, 2070. Since then, Kamalri Liberation Day has been celebrated on the 13th of Asar every year.

“That day feels like a dream.”

Remembering the days passed as Kamalri, Urmila feels like a dream. “I spent 17 years washing my boss’s shoes and dirty clothes while playing with the letters of the book,” she says.

At that age, she didn’t learn anything. After getting rid of Kamlari she continued her studies. “I especially remember Naif Nepal’s Man Bahadur Kshetri, Fakla Tharu, who worked in the field of children, Krishna Kumar Chaudhary, the president of SWAN and all those who helped me in my campaign. “

Last week, Urmila was preparing to go to Kohalpur from Kathmandu for her father’s treatment when she received a call from the US Embassy in Kathmandu saying that she had been selected in the ‘Global Anti-Racism Champions Award’. His father was admitted to the ICU of Kohalpur Medical College.

Her goal is to become a successful lawyer. She said that after completing BA LLB, she will be active for the welfare and upliftment of the children of poor families.

After receiving the award, the embassy said that she had to complete some procedures while staying in Kathmandu. After receiving the award, she called her father. “Dad said,” “I’m getting better, don’t worry, you keep doing your job.” “”

Although the news of the award was heard from the phone, the award could not be shown to the father. In the meantime, his father died. “I wanted to dedicate the joy of receiving the award to my father, but it was not fulfilled,” she laments.