Jhalak Man Tamang: Slave Labor Whistleblower

While our affluent children in America are worrying about what to buy at the mall, there is a whole other reality for thousands of less fortunate children. Jhalak Man Tamang was only ten years old when he was sold into slavery by a family friend. He was sold to a carpet master, who forced him to knot wool rugs on heavy wooden looms. His workdays started at 4 a.m. and went on until 11 p.m. The cold earthen floor of the factory was Jhalak’s bed, and his life was only labor, working for zero gain. In 2000, an inspector employed by the RUGMARK organization conducted an inspection in the factory where Jhalak was working. The carpet master had demanded that the children remain hidden so he wouldn’t get in trouble for employing child slaves, but Jhalak didn’t hide. He stood his ground to make RUGMARK aware that children were being used as slaves. The inspector explained employment laws and offered Jhalak a chance to live at a rehabilitation center sponsored by RUGMARK. Jhalak eagerly accepted, and has now become a leading voice in the fight to end child labor. Give your readers this inspiring biography that may ignite the hero waiting inside all of us.