A Day of Heartfelt Encounters: USA, Holy Cross University Interns Meet Migrants in ISI-Bangalore
28th May 2025 marked a special day of learning, sharing, and cultural exchange at the Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru (ISI-B), and in the migrant slum community of Bellahalli, Bangalore. A group of 9 students and 2 professors from Holy Cross University, USA, currently interning at ISI-B, participated in two powerful programs that left lasting impressions on both guests and hosts.
A Warm Tribal Welcome at ISI-B
The morning began with an interaction program at ISI-B, where 46 North Indian tribal migrants warmly welcomed the interns and professors. The program commenced with traditional tribal songs that echoed with rhythm and pride. In a beautiful gesture of hospitality, the migrants washed the guests’ hands, applied chandan tika on their foreheads, covered tribal gamchas over their shoulders, and warmly shook hands, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and joy.
Fr. Samir Minj, Head of the Labour Migration Unit at ISI-B, addressed the gathering, explaining the purpose of the interns’ visit – to understand migration, listen to migrants, and engage in meaningful dialogue. After introducing the ISI-B staff, Fr. Samir invited each intern to introduce themselves. This set the stage for a lively and heartfelt interaction between the interns and the migrants.
Questions flowed freely – the interns asked about why migrants had come to Bangalore, the challenges they faced in city life, the education of their children, and the richness of their tribal culture. In return, the migrants were curious to know about life in the U.S., the interns’ lifestyles, food habits, and their experience in India so far. It was a deeply moving experience as both groups found common ground in their stories and aspirations.
The highlight of the event was the tribal chain dance that followed – a joyful celebration of unity in diversity. Migrants and interns danced hand in hand to the beat of tribal drums, singing and laughing together. It was a beautiful sight – a fusion of worlds, cultures, and hearts.
A Visit to the Bellahalli Slum
In the afternoon, the group proceeded to a slum community in Bellahalli, home to around 300 migrant families, primarily from Uttar Pradesh. These families, mostly Muslim, live in 45 small huts, with each hut sheltering 6 to 7 members. Their daily lives are marked by struggle – working in construction, garbage collection, and making small musical instruments which they sell on the streets.
Though it was raining, the interns eagerly visited the area, walking through the narrow lanes and muddy paths to witness the real-life conditions of slum migrants. They interacted with men, women, and many curious children, some of whom study in a small education centre run by a local NGO, as most do not attend formal school.
The interns were deeply moved by the resilience and creativity of the community. Migrants proudly showed the drums and instruments they made, and children cheerfully welcomed the visitors. Snacks, biscuits, and chocolates were handed over to the community leader for distribution among the children.
Despite the rain, the atmosphere was warm. The interns were touched by the hospitality and honesty of the migrants, and the migrants were equally excited to meet people from a faraway country who were genuinely interested in their lives.
A Memorable Exchange of Humanity
This day was not just a part of the interns’ learning journey – it was a celebration of shared humanity. The experiences at ISI-B and in Bellahalli offered a rare and authentic glimpse into the lives of India’s migrant communities and created bonds that transcended borders.
Both the interns and the migrants left with something valuable – stories, smiles, memories, and a deeper understanding of life’s many shades.