NEWS
Salesian Brothers Engage with Ground Realities of Migration in India
The Divyadaan Salesian Institute of Philosophy held a transformative two-day workshop on Migrant Ministry from October 13–14, organized by BIS Mumbai and led by Fr Francis Bosco SDB, Director of Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M). The event brought together Salesian brothers and experts to explore the complex realities of migration and the Church’s pastoral response.
Fr Bosco opened the workshop with a comprehensive introduction to migration in India, highlighting the socio-economic challenges faced by migrant communities. He showcased the Salesian outreach efforts, including: Migrant help desks, Health camps, Legal aid and documentation support, Shelter and pastoral care initiatives.
Guest Speaker Miss Bhakti, a social worker with the Suraksha Migrant Help Desk, provided insights into the formal vs informal labour sectors, sender and destination states, gendered challenges faced by women migrants, the distinction between forced and voluntary migration.
Additionally, Mr Chandan, a Pune-based migrant rights activist, emphasized the economic and systemic roots of migration, using examples from the sugar industry and gig economy. His message was clear, “We must become aware, get informed, and take action.” His passionate delivery and relatable examples kept the audience engaged throughout. The first day concluded with a group discussion animated by Fr Bosco, involving third-year philosophy students.
The second day dealt with the Legal Literacy and Pastoral Implications. Fr Bosco led a session on labour laws, offering a synthesis of key legislations and their relevance. He also addressed child protection laws, urging brothers to become legally literate to better serve young migrants, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.
The final segment was an introspective group discussion, followed by concluding remarks from Fr Bosco, reinforcing the Salesian call to accompaniment, advocacy, and action.
On the impact and reflections, Brother Martis reported, "The workshop was marked by active participation, a blend of theory and lived experience and deepened awareness of migrant realities." The participants left with a renewed sense of mission. As one brother reflected, “Migration is not just movement—it’s a call to ministry.”
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