600 adivasis gather under aegis of Archdiocesan Commission for Migrants

untitledBengaluru, Dec 05: At least 600 adivasis beloginging to different parts of India gathered under the aegis of the commission for the migrants in the archdiocese of Bangalore.  The one-day orientation programme was organized in collaboration with the All Bangalore Adivasi Association (ABAA) and Indian Social Institute (ISI) at St. Francis School in Bangalore, 4th December, 2016.

as3Participants from the Adivasi hailed from Jharkhand, Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, whole of North East and other ethnic groups including priests and nuns involved in related ministries for the migrants. It was a visual treat to see most participants in their traditional attires and showcasing their cultural talents.

The program began with a formal felicitation steered by Mr. Pawan Kerketta from Rourkela, General advisor of ABAA community.  The Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Pradeep Samaat, the associate director of St. John’s Medical college was con-celebrated by priests from various Adivasi regions in India.

ad4Florence Osga, President of ABAA welcomed the Adivasi migrants working and staying in Bangalore.  In response to the cultural get-together, Jasintha Minj from Jharkhand working at St. Johns Medical college said “I feel so happy to attend the day like today where I feel at home with my brothers and sisters”.    Salima Tirkey from Orissa shared her joy saying, “It was a home coming experience”. Many girls working in garment factories saw in the meeting a privilege to get connected with their own community and a welcome break from work.

ad2The program was well organized by the ABAA, received the active cooperation and appreciation of Fr. Martin Puthusserry SJ, the general secretary, Fr. Shaju Kalappurakkal SCJ, the Executive secretary and other members from the commission for the migrants in the archdiocese of Bangalore.

Osbin Kindo, vice president of the ABAA who proposed the vote of thanks.  The gathering was reminded that even though the Adivasi communities in Bangalore gather in different places under different names and forms due to various pastoral reasons, the group like ABAA witness a large participation of the Adivasi community in Bangalore. The ABAA formed the association for the Adivasi  migrants in the year October 2010.  Since its formation, the association has been organizing various programmes and social service activities and gatherings for the migrants community in the archdiocese of Bangalore.