The two-day meet, coinciding with the 210th birth anniversary of St. John Bosco – a pioneer in youth and worker advocacy – drew participants from Salesian Migrant Desks, the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), CCBI, CBCI, Jesuits from MAIN, SVD, religious congregations, NGOs such as Montfort Social Institute, and major trade unions and workers’ movements.

Rooted in Solidarity
The convention opened with prayer and the Eucharist led by Fr. Thomas Santiagu, Provincial of Hyderabad, who urged participants to hear “the cries of today’s migrants” in the spirit of Don Bosco. A skit performed by Don Bosco Navajeevan children, an anthem titled “Let Their Dreams Rise”, and a solemn silence for victims of the Sigachi factory tragedy in Telangana set the tone for reflection and commitment.

Delegates recited the Preamble of the Indian Constitution before lighting the ceremonial lamp, affirming the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Voices of Urgency
Calls for action came early. Fr. Joe Prabu, Executive Director of Don Bosco Forum for the Young at Risk, pressed for the creation of a national migrants’ platform. Ms. Christine Nathan, President of ICMC, criticized India’s failure to ratify international conventions on migrant rights. At the same time, Fr. Francis Bosco, National Director of Don Bosco for Migrants, underlined the absence of a comprehensive law for internal migrants and proposed a dedicated internal affairs mechanism.

Panel discussions exposed ground realities. Prof. Vijay of the School of Economics traced migration to systemic inequality and poor access to health and sanitation. Sr. Lissy Joseph called for grassroots organizing and legal support for domestic workers. Gig workers described insecure livelihoods, while Ms. Geetha R. from the National Federation of Unorganized and Migrant Workers demanded compulsory registration and voting rights for migrants.

Stories and Strategies
Day two featured voices of resilience and reform. Former bonded labourer turned activist Nirmal Gorani shared his journey from exploitation to advocacy, pressing for a Migrant Labour Commission. Mr. Benoy Peter of the Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development presented innovative models such as WHO-recognized Bandhu Clinics and mobile health services.

Government perspectives were also represented, with Mr. Deepak John, Chairman of the Telangana Christian Minorities Finance Corporation, assuring support for NGO efforts.

Salesian migrant desk directors from provinces including Mumbai, Kerala, Goa, Guwahati, and Kolkata showcased grassroots work in healthcare, skilling, shelters, and documentation.

A special highlight was the visit of Cardinal Anthony Poola, who released “Jesus the Distressed Migrant Today” by Fr. Prakash Louis SJ. The Cardinal underlined the Church’s commitment, declaring, “Migrants are the hope of the Church.”

Towards a Common Agenda
Group discussions focused on a Common Minimum Programme that emphasized compulsory registration, documentation, rights awareness, and community support. Action points included forming migrant worker teams, opening church spaces to migrants, engaging vigilance committees, and mobilizing youth volunteers.

Prof. Babu Matthew warned against the erosion of labour rights under new labour codes, advocating for the restoration of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act of 1979. In his closing remarks, Fr. Francis Bosco laid out a roadmap for the future, urging migrant desks in every province, stronger advocacy, and collaboration between faith-based groups, unions, and civil society.

A Shared Commitment
The convention ended with a firm pledge: to build a united platform for migrant workers, press for policy reform, and strengthen grassroots interventions. The final message echoed with conviction – “Let the Dreams of Migrants Rise.”