Bonded Laborer to Sarpanch: Lingamma's Victory Proves Democracy's True Power

• Purusala Lingamma, a former bonded laborer from the Chenchu tribe in Nagarkurnool district, was elected Sarpanch of Amragiri village in Telangana.
• Illiterate and around 40, Lingamma spent years in bonded labor fishing in Nallamala forests, freed by officials a few years ago.
• Her family was deeply indebted, working for generations without knowing the extent of their debt, often lacking food.
• Villagers and officials encouraged her to contest the election for the ST-reserved seat due to her welfare work, despite competing against her younger brother.
• Lingamma aims to improve village facilities like roads, water, and electricity, and proudly educated her daughter, now an Anganwadi teacher.

Why It Matters: Lingamma's journey from bonded labor to Sarpanch exemplifies democracy's transformative power.