‘Migratory Birds’

The eagle with its infinite span of wings,
is unable to fly again
The trauma of leaving the homeland
continues to haunt ...

-         Rajender Krishan  

These lines from the poem ‘Migratory Birds’ by Rajendra Krishan reflect the pain of migration and the agony of leaving behind one’s homeland.

My internship in CRY spanned over 8 weeks during which I did a project on the impact of migration on the workers who have migrated to Delhi for the commonwealth games constructions. The project was challenging and interesting at the same time. My mentor, Smita Sinha was very supportive of the whole project. Her insights into different matters were very helpful. Also, Leena Madam’s information on various events concerning the project was extremely useful.

At many junctions through this project, I have learnt new things and unlearnt some old ideas. Being a graduate in economics, I have studied different theories on rural-urban migration; however, it was only during the project that I realized various linkages among different factors involved in the whole phenomena. It became clear that the ground reality is so much different than the models given in the books.

To gain access to the CWG sites I needed a letter of authority from the Sports Authority of India or CPWD. However, a whole 2 days of running around the offices of these places went in vain with no permission granted for entry into the sites under the SAI. Thus, there was a fear that the project would not start, but then, where there is a will there is a way and so a way was found in the Siri Fort Sports Complex. There also problems did come up in the beginning with the guards at the site trying to pose problems but eventually they calmed down.

The workers’ plight at the site was a shock to me. It was not until I had seen for myself that I started believing in the reports about the conditions of the workers. To be able to work in the searing heat of Delhi; to be able to sleep in heated tin shacks with no fans; to be able to survive on Rs. 5000 a month for the whole family; that is courage. These people, who are working so hard for their living, do no realize their worth. They are laying down the bricks for the biggest multi-sports event in the history of Delhi, yet, their rights are being severely violated and the government is hardly taking actions.

It was a great experience going to the work site and talking to the workers. It was difficult to break the ice but once I started meeting them regularly they were ready to talk about their problems, their fears, their ambitions and their dreams.

Looking at the problems related with migration and the misery faced by the construction workers, on such close quarters, I felt disheartened and wondered how whether their miseries would ever get over. But it was one case during my survey that inspired me. A boy of 18 years of age was working at the site. His family back home consists of an old mother and a younger brother. Due to the death of the father the elder brother had to start working to support the family. He wants his brother to study and become an engineer. The best part was that he himself wanted to continue his studies once his brother would be able to complete his graduation.  This boy had not lost hope. He believed in himself and the truth that things will work out in his favor eventually.

Thus, the thought that hope of something better will always happen, inspires me to work harder in this field and be able to contribute my bit to the society.

-

Ankita Singh,

Summer Intern

Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar

 2010