David Punnamannil, founder and Executive Director of Lighthouse Voyage, has transformed a life-altering experience into a powerful mission that has rescued over 930 individuals from exploitation in India. Founded nearly a decade ago after a university trip exposed him to the horrors of human trafficking, the Canadian nonprofit now operates two safe homes and has provided education to more than 200 students, including 80 in post-secondary programs. “There are moments in life that change everything,” says David, recounting his experience rescuing four girls from a brothel where humans were being sold for as little as $200 Canadian. The organization’s comprehensive approach includes prevention resources, rescue operations, rehabilitation centres, and preparation for life after exploitation through education, counselling, and personal development.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Lighthouse Voyage is a Canadian-based nonprofit organization fighting for justice, advocating for equality, and championing freedoms for exploited individuals in India. We provide prevention resources, fund rescue operations and rehab centres, and help prepare victims for life after exploitation through education, counselling, and personal development. We can come together to end the pervasive issue of human trafficking and work to create safe and supportive spaces for survivors to find healing and rebuild their lives.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Our work focuses on ending the exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, who are sold, coerced, or deceived into the sex trade or forced labour. Many are trafficked due to poverty, lack of education, or broken systems, and we believe these are human-made problems with human-powered solutions.
When did you start/join it?
I founded Lighthouse Voyage nearly 10 years ago, after a life-altering trip to India during my time in university.
What made you want to get involved?
There are moments in life that change everything. That redefines who you are and what you’re meant to do. For me, that moment happened when I was just a university student. I took time off from my second year and went to India, hoping to help in whatever way I could. I never imagined that trip would change my life forever.
We went to a brothel in the north to do investigative work. That night, we rescued four girls. Four lives pulled from darkness. But what broke me was hearing the reality—the brothel owners, the pimps, they had a standard price for each woman. ₹10,000.
That’s $200 Canadian. Two hundred dollars. That’s what a life was worth to them. They were selling girls as young as four. The oldest woman there was 78.
After the rescue, the girls were brought to a detox centre, and I took the night shift, watching over them, making sure they were safe. There was one girl, Sunita, who barely spoke to me at first. Until one night, she did.
She told me something that changed me forever. She said, “You find the most beautiful things in the darkest places. You don’t see the beauty of the universe in the daytime, but only at night, when the light pierces through.”
She had been through unimaginable pain. And yet, she still saw beauty. She still believed in hope. That night, she helped me open up about my own pain of being sexually abused. And somehow, in that moment, she healed me more than I ever could have healed her.
I shared with her an idea of starting something, of fighting for others. She looked at me and said, “Then do it.” And that’s where Lighthouse Voyage was born. A lighthouse is a place of refuge, a signal in the storm. It tells ships that they are near the shore. But more than that, it’s a place where new journeys begin. And that’s what we do. We bring people to safety. We walk with them as they heal. And then, we empower them to start a new voyage in life.
What was the situation like when you started?
When we began, trafficking in many areas of India was rampant and often ignored. Survivors had few options for aftercare, and prevention efforts were minimal. Many families didn’t even know what trafficking was until it was too late. Girls as young as 4 years old were being sold into exploitation.
How has it changed since?
We’ve seen real transformation. Lighthouse Voyage has helped over 933 individuals escape exploitation, built two safe homes, and provided education to over 200 students, including 80 in post-secondary programs. We just launched our Nursing Degree program last year with 30 participants in it already. Local awareness is growing, and we’ve forged strong partnerships with law enforcement and grassroots organizations.
What more needs to be done?
There is still so much work ahead. Traffickers are constantly adapting, and we must expand education, prevention, and survivor-led support systems. We’re currently building a multi-purpose centre in Tamil Nadu that will offer healthcare, a nursing program for women, and affordable housing—tools that can radically change lives.
How can our readers help?
The most powerful way to help is by becoming a monthly donor. Just $25 a month can help provide medical care, trauma-informed counselling, education, or safe shelter to a survivor. You can also support by spreading awareness, hosting fundraisers, or inviting us to speak at your event or community group. Most importantly to start talking and having conversations with your peers, friends, and family about the issues of exploitation and trafficking.
Become a monthly donor here.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes! We’re having our annual summer event, Champion for Change. A fundraising event to prevent human trafficking and support the recovery of survivors. To join, all you need to do is sign up and set a fundraising goal. Do it with and invite your friends, family or coworkers.
Your participation supports the work of Lighthouse Voyage in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation. We will be opening registration soon! And hope everyone becomes part of it!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
One local organization we deeply admire is Promise Vancouver. Operating in the Downtown Eastside, they provide safe spaces for children and youth to learn, play, and grow through year-round programs like after-school care, day camps, and a Young Leaders Program. Their mission is to help youth discover their inherent value through meaningful relationships and intentional programming. By fostering friendships, building valuable skills, and empowering generosity, Promise Vancouver is making a lasting impact in one of Canada’s most complex inner-city neighbourhoods.
Learn more or get involved at promisevancouver.ca.
