Participants at a special gathering for migrant workers from Satgaon region, Assam at Bengaluru.
The Salesian Migrant Workers’ Desk of the Guwahati Province, in collaboration with the Salesian Migrant Workers’ Desk of the Bangalore Province, successfully organized a special gathering for migrant workers from the Satgaon region, Assam. The event was held on 7 September at Bosco Mane, Bengaluru, and saw the participation of 186 workers—the first-ever meeting of its kind.
The program commenced with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Benny Moshahary, Director of the Agriculture Training Centre, Jorapara, Garo Hills, and concelebrated by Fr. Ignatius Gari, Director of the Salesian Migrant Desk, Guwahati, Fr. Deepu Mathew, Director of the Salesian Migrant Desk, Bengaluru, and Fr. Albert Thyrniang, Parish Priest of Satgaon.
Preaching during the Mass, Fr. Albert reflected on the day’s first reading, reminding participants that while life often presents misfortunes and suffering, the Creator’s wisdom is beyond human understanding. He encouraged them not to lose heart but to persevere with faith and hope.
Following the Eucharist, an animation session was conducted. Fr. Vargese Pallipuram, Rector and Executive Director of Bosco, Bengaluru, along with Fr. K. J. Jose, Director of Bosco Mane, and other Salesian fathers and staff, engaged with the migrant workers.
Fr. Ignatius Gari, addressing the participants in Assamese—the lingua franca of Assam—spoke about the rights, safety, and welfare of migrant workers. Fr. Benny Moshahary highlighted the availability of free skill training in various Salesian centres. Fr. Albert shared updates from Satgaon and urged workers to prioritize the education of their children, emphasizing that while many had to begin working at a young age, future generations should not have to abandon school or college for livelihood.
Welcoming the North-East migrants, Fr. Pallipuram introduced the initiatives of Bosco Bengaluru and strongly underlined that no minor under the age of 18 should be employed, as every child has the right to education. He further announced that, moving forward, migrants from Satgaon would be able to gather at Bosco Mane on the second Sunday of each month for animation and spiritual support.
Earlier in the day, Fr. Deepu Mathew welcomed everyone warmly and wished the participants a fruitful experience.
The gathering brought immense joy and hope to the migrants, who expressed gratitude for the initiative and looked forward eagerly to future meetings.
News Courtesy: Fr Albert Thyrniang SDB
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