Emmy Winner’s Book Exposes India’s Trafficking

Ruchira Gupta, known for her Emmy-winning documentary “The Selling of Innocents,” is now making waves with her debut novel, “I Kick and I Fly.” This compelling book aims to bring the harsh realities of human trafficking to the forefront. Gupta, a prominent anti-trafficking advocate and instructor at New York University, hopes that her novel will serve as a wake-up call, urging readers to confront the stark horrors of this issue.

The story of “I Kick and I Fly” revolves around Heera, the protagonist hailing from a marginalized community in rural Bihar. As part of a poor landless Hindu-Muslim group with a history of being labeled a ‘criminal tribe,’ Heera learns Kung Fu, symbolizing her path to empowerment and liberation. The narrative draws from Gupta’s own experiences in rescuing trafficking survivors and helping them find sustainable livelihoods.

Gupta’s dedication to fighting trafficking is well-known, evident in her past collaborations with journalist Gloria Steinem and her NGO. Her impactful efforts even caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to a movie adaptation of her work in 2014, starring Lucy Liu.

The recent book launch at Delhi’s India International Centre gathered a diverse group of supporters, underscoring Gupta’s widespread influence. Through “I Kick and I Fly,” Gupta aims to not only shed light on the struggles of trafficking survivors but also inspire collective action against this pressing issue. The novel’s vivid portrayal of strength and resilience serves as a powerful tool to drive change and awareness.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Print