Interaction with Migrants in Garudachar Palya
14 September 2025 | Garudachar Palya, Bengaluru
An inspiring interaction with around 60 migrants in Garudachar Palya, Bengaluru, turned into a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences. Led by Fr. Rakesh Bara from ISI-B, the session was part of a field visit for participants of a legal awareness workshop on migrants’ rights.
Fr. Yacub Kujur, Director of Bagicha, Ranchi and Central Zone in-charge for migrants, shed light on the root causes of migration from Chhotanagpur. He highlighted key challenges such as threats to the 5th and 6th Schedules of the Indian Constitution—critical safeguards for tribal rights—along with rising unemployment, delisting from voter rolls, and inadequate irrigation facilities that affect agricultural livelihoods. He urged migrants to stay connected with their native places and to cherish and preserve their cultural identity even while living far from home.
Adding to the dialogue, Fr. Amit (Mumbai) and Fr. Sushil Xess, SVD (Mulky, Mangalore) shared their experiences of working with migrant communities in cities. They spoke about the struggles of integration, access to resources, and the importance of making use of available social, economic, and legal support systems for a dignified life.
The visit not only deepened the understanding of issues at the migrants’ source regions but also strengthened community bonds in Bengaluru. It became a meaningful space for mutual learning, reminding everyone that migration is not just movement—it is a journey of resilience, rights, and shared responsibility.