18 July, 2025
Organized by: Don Bosco Forum for the Young at Risk (DB4M) Venue: Bosco Mane, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru Dates: July 18–19, 2025 |
In a significant effort to strengthen frontline support for internal migrants, Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M) hosted a two-day National Capacity Building Training in Bengaluru. The event, held at Bosco Mane, brought together 30 committed individuals—including Salesian priests, lay collaborators, field coordinators, and civil society partners—who work closely with distressed migrant communities across India.
Spiritual Roots and Practical Goals
The program opened with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr. Deepu Mathew, INK Migrant Desk In-Charge, who reminded the gathering that in the mission to serve migrants, human dignity must come before legality. Biblical reflections on migration by Fr. Pravinth and strategic inputs by Fr. Abhilash (INK Desk Head) set the tone for two days of deep learning and collaboration.
Insights from the Field
The training featured sessions led by prominent voices in the field:
Legal Frameworks & Worker Rights: Advocate Maitri (AICCTU) provided critical insights into the implications of India’s new labour codes, highlighting gaps in wage protection and social security.
Technological Empowerment: Mr. Anuraag introduced the India Labour Line and the Sarkar Hai app, which facilitate digital case management and legal redress for labour violations.
Migrant Resilience Model: Jan Sahas showcased its cross-state collaborative platform operating in 93 districts, connecting migrants to schemes, health support, and documentation.
Voices from the Ground: Gig workers, sugarcane labourers, and garment workers shared real-life experiences of exploitation, shedding light on systemic injustices.
Women in the Informal Economy: Mrs. Ruth Manorama emphasized the urgency to recognize domestic workers as professionals and to push for the ratification of ILO Convention 189
Salesian Interventions: Fr. Simolin from Chennai highlighted the Migrant Resource Centre model, which uses digital apps to track migration and assist with documentation.
Visioning 2025–26
On the second day, Fr. Blasius led a reflection on the uncertain yet hopeful journey of migrants, comparing it to the Exodus. Provinces then presented their on-ground work and strategic plans:
* INB (Mumbai): Focused on health camps and ration drives
* INK (Bangalore): Shared the success of the KISMAT initiative
* INT (Tiruppur): Highlighted legal aid and youth engagement
INM (Chennai): Launched the "Know Your City" initiative and introduced the Quizzer App* for urban orientation
* INC, IND, INP, and INH shared targeted efforts across sectors like garments, brick kilns, and gig work.
Fr. Franklin Minj’s session stood out as he narrated powerful pastoral interventions from supporting interfaith migrant families to managing repatriation of deceased migrants and issuing legal documents through Church networks.
Towards a Shared Future
The training culminated in the announcement of the National Convention for Distressed Migrant Youth (to be held in Hyderabad from August 15–18, 2025) and a roadmap for province-level reporting and collaboration. Templates for budgeting, case tracking, and SPCSA proposals were distributed, alongside the DB4M Helpline (96423 72372) as a central support tool.
