I was born in Bohanda Lukudda, Jharkhand. I studied there for up to 9 years in one of the schools named Bohana Government School. Our financial situation and family burden forced us to migrate to Tamil Nadu in the year 2017.

My father found a job in one of the estates at the Yercaud as a tree-cutter, and we lived on what he earned. I had to stop my education as there was no future that I could envisage, so I could not live the dream of my life. This was primarily due to the poor economic condition and not being able to make ends meet, in fact, getting 3 meals a day, itself was a big challenge and struggle, hence I took on a job as a tree-cutter along with my father, assisting in forest duties. I have always wanted to pursue studies so taking my manual work was very hard for me. 

I got a golden opportunity to study once again in the Government School at Yercaud in the year 2017, but due to having no credentials and being unable to prove my previous education history, I was admitted to Standard I. 

The local language Tamil was a big challenge for me as there was no one to translate and friends were few and far, who did not prove very helpful. One unfortunate day the school headmaster told me that I would have to leave the school and could not appear for the exam, since there was no identification proof to write the Government exams. I was dejected and frustrated and could not do anything for several years thereon. 

I got to know about Caritas India as the team were conducting an Asset Based Community Driven Development (ABCD) event in the place where I reside. I got the privilege of meeting the Caritas Team – Jerome Sir, Simon Brother, and Hari Brother and explained my situation to them. They assured me that they will help me in continuing my education and get the necessary Identification card and Govt proofs that are required in all walks of life. 

Now I have an Aadhar Card which is a turning point in my life – as I can pursue my studies and write my exams without any hindrance. I can now take care of my younger sisters once I qualify and am able to get employed.

I thank Caritas India for making it possible.

Hundreds and thousands of migrants and workers from the unorganized sector are still without Aadhar Card.

The migrant community are often ignorant and not literate to apply for this card which is mandatory for availing social security benefits, and for registration on a national informal workers’ database being developed for migrants.

The Jeevan Nirman programme works with the migrant communities of two source States, namely, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and one destination state, namely Tamil Nadu to ensure decent living and working conditions and build their lives. The programme promotes social protection and social security for migrant workers through awareness, skill development, employment, access to services and referrals.