Veteran lawyer and dedicated anti-slavery advocate PS Ranjan is set to embark on his annual 10km run tomorrow to spotlight the pressing issue of slavery and forced labor. Joining the 73-year-old in this year’s awareness initiative will be his son Anand and fellow legal professional Cherian Kurivilla.
The trio will begin their journey from Ranjan’s residence in Damansara at 7am, heading towards Bukit Persekutuan before looping back home.
In 2023, Ranjan completed the same 10km run alongside his eldest son, Prasad. That effort raised approximately RM40,000, which was donated to Anti-Slavery International, a UK-based organization and the world’s oldest dedicated to human rights advocacy.
Last year, Ranjan chose to run alone and opted not to organize a fundraising effort. Similarly, he will not be raising funds this year.
“I’ve decided to keep it a private event to avoid the formalities of coordinating a public gathering with the authorities,” he shared with FMT.
Ranjan has been preparing for the run intermittently and aims to complete the 10km course within 90 to 105 minutes. However, he noted that challenging surface conditions, particularly the slopes, could pose some difficulties.
Despite the challenges, Ranjan emphasized the symbolic importance of taking this particular route. It passes through the old Damansara estate, a location steeped in history where rubber plantation workers were reportedly subjected to exploitation in the past. By running this path, Ranjan hopes to honour the struggles of those workers and draw attention to the enduring fight against labor exploitation.
Ranjan, a devoted member of Anti-Slavery International for nearly 30 years, expressed his hope that his “run for freedom” would inspire greater awareness about the issue of slavery. He also wished to encourage the younger generation to carry forward this vital cause. He explained that modern slavery occurs when individuals are exploited by others for personal or commercial gain, often through deceit, coercion, or force, stripping them of their freedom.
“We have encountered cases of Malaysians being mistreated and coerced into working in scam call centers abroad, as well as reports of locals being forced into marriage,” Ranjan said. He highlighted these as examples of modern slavery, describing it as a shocking violation of human dignity. While acknowledging that Malaysia has a relatively strong record in combating such issues, he cautioned against complacency.
Ranjan praised the outstanding work of Anti-Slavery International, noting that the organization recently supported a Malaysian woman in a London court case involving allegations of exploitation by a diplomat she had worked for.
To celebrate his run, the lawyer has extended an invitation to friends and well-wishers to join him for brunch at his home between 8 am and 1pm.
Individuals interested in supporting Ranjan’s initiatives to combat slavery and forced labor are encouraged to make donations through the official website.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
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