Advertisement Columban MissionariesColumban Missionaries Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

India: Day for migrant garment workers in Bangalore

  • Fr Shaju Kalappurakkal SCJ

The commission for the migrants in the archdiocese of Bangalore organized a one day orientation programme for the Migrant Garment Workers at Aradhana School, Banneghatta Road, Bangalore on Sunday, 1 October, 2017.

Around 400 participants, from Jharkhand, Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, whole of North East and other ethnic groups along with the fathers and sisters who are caring in various ministries for the migrants gathered for the programme. The Franciscan Servants of Mary (FSM), the sisters who works among the garment workers made great effort to convince the garment hostel authorities to make them available for this day.

We had begun the day with a formal greeting programme guided by members of Spiritual Revival Ministry (SRM) who were actively involved in taking care of migrants in Bangalore for those who are from north east of India, especially the migrants of Arunachal Pradesh. It was followed by Praise and Worship, Action songs, sharing testimonies of migrants and sharing the word of god and led everyone into a joyful and celebrative mood.

The Novice brothers of the Sacred Heart Jesus of Betharram (SCJ) and Sisters of the Holy Spirit congregation accompanied the garment workers to celebrate the day and extended support with their melodious voices. along with the SRM members. The participants were had rthe opportunity for Confession, counselling and personal sharing. The Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Rev Mgr S Jayanathan, Vicar General archdiocese of Bangalore, along with concelebrants from various institutions and spiritual directors for migrant communities. In his personal sharing with the migrant garment workers, the vicar general said: "we feel proud of you in our midst and we love you. We assure you every possible support to feel at home and cherish life dreams."

Afterwards there was a cultural programme in which different communities showcased their traditional attire through dance. Mrs Dr Muktha Tigga MBBS, from Rourkela Orissa, working as a company doctor with Aditya Birla in Bangalore helped the participants in aspects of hygiene, health care and prevention methods in day today situations.

The participants were given chances to clarify their doubts and various health issues. Mr Pawan Kuldip Kerketta from Rourkela Orissa, working as a HR in Thoucentric Technology in Bangalore enlightened the participants with various labour laws, work related issues, varioius schemes and support systems. He said: " I feel so happy to attend the day like today where I feel at home with my brothers and sisters". Mr Anil Dungdung from Simdega Jharkhand, working as a Marketing Manager in a Garment company in Kohlapur shared with the participants various aspects that helps them to empower them in garment industries. Hel told, "It was a home coming experience to share with my brothers and sisters."

Miss Batina Sagma, one of the participants shared her joy by saying: " we feel grateful to the commission for the migrants for taking care of us in this present day situations." Miss Namita Lakra who is working in this garment industry for more than three years said: " I feel very much blessed to participate programme like this".

As the result of this gathering, the inputs and various concerns of the participants have sent to the commission to study the situation and have decided to create a help desk with persons who are available to support the migrant workers.

It was a special occasion for many garment girls and other groups to participate in such a gathering outside their workplace. Fr Edward Thomas SDB, Joint Secretary, Fr Shaju Kalappurakkal SCJ, Executive Secretary and other members from the commission for the migrants in the archdiocese of Bangalore expressed their gratitude to the garment workers who had taken great effort to attend this programme.

The commission for the migrants, a dream project and vision of the archbishop of Bangalore, soon after its formation, has been organizing various programmes like pastoral care for the migrants, social service activities and gatherings for the migrants community in the archdiocese of Bangalore time to time.

Fr Shaju Kalappurakkal SCJ, is Executive Secretary of the Commission for the Migrants, Archdiocese of Bangalore

Read more about the Archdiocese of Bangalore: www.bangalorearchdiocese.com

Adverts

Congregation of Jesus

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon