(ANS – Bengaluru) – A powerful two-day National Capacity-building training program, aimed at strengthening support for distressed internal young migrants, was held at Bosco Mane, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru, from July 18 to 19. Organized by Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M), the event brought together 30 participants—including eight Salesian priests, lay collaborators, field staff, and representatives from civil society—who are committed to enhancing outreach and advocacy for migrants across India.
The training commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist led by Fr. Deepu Mathew, INK Migrant Desk In-Charge, who drew on Gospel themes of compassion and inclusion. He reminded the gathering that faithful ministry to migrants must prioritize human dignity over legality—echoing Christ’s response to the hunger of the crowds. Fr. Francis Bosco, National Director of DB4M, and Fr. Pravinth, Provincial Councillor, introduced the training, with reflections on the biblical roots of migration and the Salesian call to serve those on the margins. Fr. Abhilash, the new Head of the INK Migrant Desk, outlined a vision for deeper grassroots engagement and resource mobilization.
A Platform for Learning and Advocacy
The programme featured diverse expert-led sessions addressing the challenges and realities faced by internal migrants. Topics covered included legal protections, exploitation in informal sectors, digital registration, and the need for coordinated documentation systems. Mrs. Ruth Manorama delivered a session on the rights of domestic women workers, while Jan Sahas shared insights on the Migrant Resilience Collaborative model. Fr. Simolin from the Chennai Province discussed operationalizing Migrant Resource Centres. Experts from India Labour Line and AICCTU provided legal perspectives on labor codes and worker helplines. The training also featured real-life narratives from gig workers, bonded sugarcane laborers, and garment workers, adding a human dimension to the discussions. Fr. Franklin Minj, Regional Secretary for Migrants, led a session on Migrant Spiritual Assistance, emphasizing the spiritual needs of the migrant community.
Visioning the Future: Priorities for 2025–26
The second day began with the Eucharist, led by Fr. Blasius Tete, who used the journey of the Israelites from Rameses to Succoth as a metaphor for the uncertain path walked by migrants today. “God is walking with the migrants,” Fr. K.J. Jose reminded, setting the tone for the day’s collaborative planning efforts. Each Salesian province presented reports on their migrant desk initiatives, challenges, and strategic priorities. Through cross-group discussions, participants formulated several action plans for the coming years. These included leveraging mobile-based data tools for migrant tracking, organizing cultural festivals to foster inclusion and awareness, providing training on labor laws and workers’ rights, forming community leadership initiatives, and focusing outreach on high-risk sectors like construction, brick kilns, gig work, and agriculture. Fr. Francis Bosco also shared updates on DB4M’s national initiatives, including the National Convention for Distressed Migrant Youth, scheduled for August 16–17 in Hyderabad.
A Spirit of Solidarity
Reflecting on the event, Fr. Francis Bosco, National Coordinator of DB4M, remarked: “This capacity-building programme is a testament to our unwavering commitment to accompany and empower migrant youth. The ideas, strategies, and collaborations formed here will help us extend our mission and advocacy to the most vulnerable. Together, we aim to create a society where every migrant is treated with dignity, justice, and equal opportunity.”
The event concluded with words of appreciation for the host community and all contributors. The two day meeting was a renewed affirmation of the Salesian commitment to accompany, advocate for, and empower India’s internal migrants. As participants declared in unity, “We are also migrants – in mission, in spirit, and in solidarity.”
The Don Bosco Migrant Ministry (DB4M) is a nationwide initiative of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in India, established to empower and support migrant workers across the country. While Don Bosco’s mission originated with young migrants in Turin, Italy, the first nationally coordinated efforts in India began in 2012 and 2015, focusing on young migrant workers. By 2018, 8 Migrants’ Desks were set up in cities like Chennai, Tiruppur, Mumbai, and Guwahati. Currently the network has expanded to 44 desks operating in cities and towns across 18 states and union territories of India. The ministry collaborates with government and non-governmental organizations, church-based groups, and rights activists to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of migrant workers, offering services such as legal aid, pre-departure counseling, education, health training, and a 24/7 toll-free helpline (+91 9642 372 372).