In the verdant hills of Meghalaya, nestled within the folds of Northeast India, a powerful voice has risen against the evils of human trafficking. That voice belongs to Hasina Kharbhih, an unyielding human rights defender, renowned for her pioneering work in anti-trafficking through the Impulse NGO Network (INGON). For over three decades, she has remained a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, caught in the web of exploitation. Her journey from a young social worker in Shillong to a global icon in the fight against trafficking is nothing short of extraordinary.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, Hasina Kharbhih grew up in a culturally rich environment deeply rooted in community values. From a young age, she was aware of the social challenges plaguing her region—poverty, unemployment, insurgency, and gender inequality. These realities stirred her early desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
Hasina pursued her higher education in Political Science and later studied human rights and development. It was during this period that she began her journey into the world of activism. Her academic background gave her the tools to analyze complex social issues, while her personal experiences fueled her drive to make a difference.
The Genesis of Impulse NGO Network
In 1987, at just 17 years old, Hasina founded what would later evolve into the Impulse NGO Network. What began as a small local initiative to support women and artisans in Meghalaya soon grew into a multidisciplinary, rights-based organization tackling one of the region’s gravest issues—human trafficking.
Over time, INGON expanded its work to multiple states across Northeast India and neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The organization developed a holistic, replicable model called the Impulse Model, which integrates livelihood, protection, justice, empowerment, and partnership to combat human trafficking effectively.
The Impulse Model: A Game-Changer in Anti-Trafficking
The Impulse Model has been a groundbreaking initiative that sets Hasina Kharbhih apart in the global fight against trafficking. It brings together key stakeholders—including law enforcement, civil society, media, and government agencies—to create a coordinated response mechanism. The model is centered around six key pillars:
- Partnerships with law enforcement to ensure immediate response and legal action.
- Community vigilance through trained volunteers and village heads.
- Victim support with counseling, shelter, and rehabilitation.
- Skill development to offer sustainable livelihoods and reduce vulnerability.
- Cross-border collaboration to combat trafficking routes spanning nations.
- Media engagement to raise awareness and influence public discourse.
The success of this model has led to its replication in various regions, receiving national and international recognition.
Tackling Cross-Border Human Trafficking
Meghalaya shares a long, porous border with Bangladesh, making it a hotbed for transnational trafficking. Hasina’s work became particularly relevant in combating cross-border trafficking, where young girls and women were lured under the pretext of jobs or marriage, only to be sold into slavery.
Hasina led multi-country advocacy efforts, forming coalitions across South Asia. Through persistent lobbying, she helped facilitate bilateral cooperation, rescue operations, and victim repatriation efforts that spanned international borders. Her work continues to bridge the policy and operational gaps that often hinder effective anti-trafficking interventions.
Recognitions and Awards
Hasina Kharbhih’s relentless commitment has earned her global recognition:
- Ashoka Fellowship – for her innovative and impactful social entrepreneurship.
- Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year (India).
- Nari Shakti Puraskar, awarded by the President of India, recognizing her outstanding contribution to women’s empowerment.
- Asian Human Rights Defender Award, for her extraordinary courage and leadership in the face of threats and challenges.
These accolades underscore her stature as one of the most respected voices in the field of human rights and trafficking prevention.
Advocacy for Gender Rights and Indigenous Communities
While her fight against trafficking has drawn global attention, Hasina has always emphasized the intersectionality of social issues. She is an ardent advocate for gender rights, particularly within the indigenous Khasi community, to which she belongs. Her initiatives often aim to dismantle systemic inequalities rooted in patriarchy and class.
She has also worked to ensure economic empowerment of rural women, enabling them to gain independence through micro-enterprises, handloom production, and traditional arts. Many of these efforts form the backbone of preventive strategies against trafficking—addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunity.
Technology and Innovation in Activism
In a world increasingly driven by data and digital tools, Hasina has not shied away from innovation. She helped develop digital case management systems for tracking victims, connecting stakeholders, and improving coordination. INGON uses mobile apps and online platforms to report cases of trafficking and ensure transparency in the rescue-rehabilitation process.
This embrace of technology has made the Impulse Model scalable and effective even in remote areas where traditional bureaucratic mechanisms fail.
Challenges Faced on the Frontlines
Working in Northeast India—a region often neglected in mainstream policymaking—has not been easy. Hasina has frequently dealt with bureaucratic red tape, lack of political will, and limited infrastructure. Moreover, her confrontational stance against powerful traffickers and corrupt officials has made her a target.
Despite the threats, her resolve remains unshaken. She often says, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to move forward in spite of it.” Her personal strength continues to inspire a new generation of human rights activists.
Impact and Legacy
To date, Hasina Kharbhih and Impulse NGO Network have facilitated the rescue and rehabilitation of over 72,000 victims of human trafficking across South Asia. Her work has influenced policy reforms, led to the training of law enforcement personnel, and most importantly, provided a model of hope for communities under siege.
Her efforts have also spurred grassroots leadership, empowering communities to protect their own. This legacy of self-sustaining activism ensures that her vision will endure, long after the headlines fade.
Hasina Kharbhih Today
Today, Hasina Kharbhih continues to lead INGON while mentoring young changemakers, both in India and abroad. She is a regular speaker at international conferences on trafficking, human rights, and social innovation, including forums like the World Economic Forum, UNESCAP, and TEDx.
She also engages in research and advocacy, contributing to policy papers and academic discourse on trafficking. Her insights are often sought by governments and NGOs looking to design inclusive and effective social protection mechanisms.
Conclusion: The Iron Resolve of Meghalaya’s Changemaker
In a region plagued by silence and stigma, Hasina Kharbhih has emerged as a relentless force of change. Her deep-rooted activism, strategic acumen, and compassion make her one of India’s most influential human rights leaders. From rural hamlets in Meghalaya to international policymaking corridors, her voice resonates with clarity, purpose, and justice.
As we confront modern-day slavery and exploitation, Hasina’s work reminds us that the fight against trafficking is not just about rescue—it’s about restoring dignity, building resilience, and creating systems that protect the most vulnerable. Her story is not just one of resistance, but of resilience, revolution, and relentless hope.
