Workshop on Migrant Ministry in Divyadaan

By Br Martis Dean for BIS Mumbai

Divyadaan Salesian Institute of Philosophy had a two-day session on Migrant Ministry on October 13 and 14, 2025. The main facilitator for the two days event was Fr Francis Bosco SDB, the director of DB4M (Don Bosco for Migrants).

The first day began with an introductory session, by Fr Bosco. He explained in brief what is migration and the current reality of migration in the country. He then dwelled on the present-day works carried out by Salesians in India. From help desks to health checkup camps, the brothers were presented a comprehensive view of the scenario and the efforts being carried out for these people. 

There were also two guest speakers. The first was Miss Bhakti, social worker who is a part of the Suraksha Migrant Help Desk. Miss Bhakti introduced the topics of formal and informal sectors of labour. She highlighted the various sender and destination states, along with the conditions of migrants there. Furthermore she distinguished between forced migration and migrating by choice. The overall plight of migrant workers was explained with a special impetus on women migrants and their added problems. Our next speaker was Mr Chandan, a Pune based migrant’s rights activist. He began by enlightening us about how we cannot look at migration in isolation, we need to have an analytical and comprehensive point of view. In keeping with this theme, he explained further with the example of the sugar industry and that of gig workers, and how everything is connected. He illustrated how everything boils down to money, money takes precedence even over human life. Mr Chandan showed how we need to become aware, get informed and begin somewhere, take action, and only then will we be able to bring about some meaningful change. His passion and candour, accompanied with his relatable manner of speaking kept the brothers engaged and interested. The day ended with Fr Bosco animating a group discussion with the third year brothers.

The second day began with a talk on the various laws related to labour. Fr Bosco gave a brief synthesis of a few laws. The application of these laws and their relevance or redundancy was shown. After that we saw laws specifically for the protection of the rights of minors. He stressed on the point on how we need to become aware of these, and only then will we be able to help the young people we minister to, especially the poorest. The last part of the programme was an introspective group discussion. After which Fr Bosco gave the concluding remarks.

These two days of inputs were overall very informative. It saw active participation from the brothers. The mix of theory and real life experience was an enriching conference for all the participants. A lot of awareness was created among the brothers about the dire conditions of migrants and how we in our own small way can help them.