The workshop on Psychosocial care for the migrants, organized by the Labour Migration Unit of the Indian Social Institute (ISI), commenced with invoking God’s presence by a prayer song sung by Ms. Lakshmi one of the supporting staff at ISI – B. Ms. R. Yuktha a participant of the workshop recited the preamble of the Indian Constitution at the inaugural session of the workshop. Dr. Selvaraj Arulnathan SJ, Fr. Anthony Das SJ, and Fr. Francis Balaraj SJ graced the occasion.
Main speakers, Mr. Aditya Ligory, Dr. MG Selvin Raj and Mr. Lenin Babu spoke on the various aspects of Psycho-social Care of Migrants, mental health disorders such as fear, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder normally found among the distress migrants and emphasised the importance of mental health awareness, healthy lifestyle practices, distribution of mental health resources and supportive policies to address these issues.
Fr. Selvin SJ spoke of the challenges faced by the migrants in their distress condition, emphasising the socio-economic and cultural factors. He also explained the challenges faced by migrant populations, including disparities in income levels across India, trafficking, xenophobia, exploitation, and many other discriminations.
Mr Lenin Babu, a Psychologist and a Counsellor began his interaction with the participants through situational analysis and made us understand a number of psychological concepts which will be used frequently during the entire workshop. Highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, he proposed sympathetic communication as a means to reach out the vulnerable people in their distress condition. Dr. Lourdunathan, in his valedictory address spoke about the split nature of the migrants. He said that the migrants’ reality is seen as individuals who are both here and elsewhere, insiders and outsiders.
The participants of the workshop appreciated for the real-life experiences provided throughout the workshop. Participants expressed their gratitude for the enriching learning opportunity and to interact with migrants. They pointed out the effective implementation of the program by LM Unit. Mr. Ananda Rao who looked after all the technical arrangements deserve all our appreciations.
Report by Ms. Vandana