The Labour Migration Unit of Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bangalore, successfully organized a Migrant Leaders Meet on Sunday, 19th January 2025, at its premises. The event saw the participation of 84 migrant leaders from various locations, who came together to share their challenges, experiences, and opportunities, creating a unified platform for addressing migrant-related issues.
The meet began with registration and refreshments, followed by a welcome address by the Director. The day-long program was structured around eight critical topics, each presented by a subject expert:
- Social Issues – Mr. Rajan emphasized building unity within communities and raising awareness of migrant rights.
- Economic Issues – Mr. Albert Dhan highlighted opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, financial literacy, and access to banking services.
- Education and Skill Development – Mr. Vivek Kujur explored challenges in education for migrant children and skill development programs for youth.
- Workplace Safety – Prof. Priya Minj spoke on workplace discrimination, wage theft prevention, and awareness of labor laws.
- Health and Hygiene – Prof. Sanjiv Xalxo discussed affordable healthcare solutions and hygiene awareness campaigns.
- Leadership and Role – Fr. Sanjay Kujur underscored the importance of migrant leaders in fostering community support and effective collaboration with local organizations and governments.
- Legal Awareness – Fr. Nirmal Murmu provided insights into legal rights for migrants, strategies for preventing exploitation, and handling contract violations.
- Religious and Spiritual Support – Fr. Franklin Minj focused on the role of churches and religious organizations in providing spiritual guidance and emotional support.
The event included a consultation session, where participants engaged in interactive group discussions. This session fostered collective brainstorming to address challenges and develop actionable solutions. The discussions emphasized community-driven strategies to improve migrant welfare.
Many expressed their gratitude to ISI Bangalore for creating a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration. The event not only fostered mutual learning but also helped build a robust network of migrant leaders united to address shared challenges.
The presence of 84 participants from diverse locations enriched the discussions, making the event a significant step toward addressing migrant issues collectively. With continued collaboration and networking, the event laid the groundwork for impactful initiatives in the future.