The journey of “ Share the Journey” campaign in Tamil Nadu commenced on the 7^th of June, 2018. It was launched in the presence of Archbishop Most.Rev.Antony Anandarayar, President of  Regional Labour Commission, Tamil Nadu during the State level seminar on Church response towards the issues of traditional occupational groups.

The Presentation Sisters of Blessed Virgin Mary showed their solidarity by participating in this campaign. On 13/06/2018, Students of Nagel Bhavan school, Kanjoor along with their teachers and parents volunteered to sponsor food for the migrants in their locality. At Kelambakkam, Chennai, the Sisters along with Social Work students conducted the campaign. “We want nothing less than the consoling words of the Sisters that boost up our morale. Their very presence brings joy in our lives” say the Rohingya Refugee children. Though the Sisters visit periodically, 23^rd June was a special occasion as the 110 members Rohingya refugee people had community cooking and shared the delicious meal sponsored by the Sisters. Motivational talk by Sr.Sahayam, Cultural programme by the children and distribution of educational materials were the highlights.

During the Sunday Mass on 17^th June, 2018, the Parish priest of Kulakomabai tribal village Rev.Fr. Jayakumar gave the homily on inclusive development. Totally 70 people including tribals, tea estate workers and Sri Lankan Repatriates participated. They were treated with snacks provided by Parish Council. Similarly, on 24^th June, St.Sebastian Chruch, Madhavaram, Chennai participated in the campaign by creating awareness among 1000s of Sunday Mass goers by keeping the banner at the entrance of the church and also focusing the homily on the concerns of Pope Francis regarding the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. The free eye camp was conducted on this day.

Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bangalore joined hands with Caritas India in successfully conducting the campaign in 2 places. On 17^th June, 72 Adivasi migrant girls at Gigani and on 24^th June, 35 African migrant community members participated in the shared community meal gathering. Fr. Martin, heading the Migration desk of ISI made the arrangements along with the State Officer, Robert D Souza.

The Directors of  KAIROS, Kannur and Tellicherry SSS   carried out the well-designed campaign in their respective diocese on the  17^th & 24^th June respectively. Caritas Programme Officer Mr.Abeesh was rendering required guidance. With the blessings of Bishops, the Directors of Social Works and Diocesan Ashakiranam team members coordinated the entire programme.  Starting with prayers, there was experience sharing from Migrants, cultural programs and group games. Towards the end of the day, the migrants were provided with  Avas Cards as part of the insurance scheme. The days ended with meals sharing. One could see smiles in the faces of 130 migrants from North and North Eastern Stated of India.

On 24^th June, Chengalpattu Rural Development Society (CRDS) arranged an interactive session and a rally at Acharapakkam as part of the campaign. 126 members participated. Prevention of environmental degradation, valuing our own culture, and identity, being compassionate to our lesser privileged especially migrants were the topics discussed. In the concelebrated mass Fr. Benjamin shared the concerns of Pope Francis on the issue of migration. The participants went for a small rally holding placards in favour of migrants welfare. The programme came to an end with sharing of a delicious meal.

With the participation of 125 migrants from 3 States viz., Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, Udhagamandalam Social Service Society (USSS) partook in the campaign. It was held at Masinagudi forest area in Nilgiris. The Government health officials and human rights activists explained the rights of migrants and the role of NGOs especially USSS in alleviating their miseries. Saplings were planted at Primary Health Centre and along the bund of the tank in commemoration of this campaign. All the participants enjoyed the meal provided by USSS.

On 19^th June 2018, Tamil Nadu Social Service Society (TASOSS) released a book on the state level research findings on “Land and Water issues”. A total of 68 participants including Social activists, academicians, development practitioners, church leaders and representatives from Sri Lankan repatriates community took part in the event. They discussed how the crisis related to water issues is leading to distress migration. The findings of the research study on migration undertaken by TASOSS, supported by Caritas /CRS is going to be a trendsetter in addressing the issue at the State level. A sumptuous meal was shared by all the participants sponsored by TASOSS.

On 24/06/2018, National Domestic Workers  Movement (NDWM) at Chennai gathered 82 members to highlight the significance of the campaign to the  Internally Displaced women living in Padappai. Dr. John Arokiaraj, Zonal Manager – South, Caritas India informed that Caritas India is concerned about the issues of migrants. He said that People’s movement all over the world is lending their voices at different forums to assert the rights of domestic workers. He urged the people not to loose heart but constantly make the best use of the available mechanisms to draw the attention of the Government to redress their grievances.  He urged the people to give paramount importance to children’s education, health, sanitation and hygiene.

The children performed a small skit highlighting the situation of domestic workers and difficulties, abuses and stigma they face at their workplace and society. The campaign concluded with sharing of food provided by Caritas and NDWM. A similar programme was organised at Hyderabad on 23/06/2018 with the collaboration of Andhra Pradesh Social Forum.

122 Sri Lankan Refugees especially children and women living in Karaiyur Camp were happy to be part of Share the Journey Campaign organised by Sivagangai Multipurpose Social Service Society on 24^th June 2018. They were all appreciative of the efforts of SMSSS in addressing the concerns of Pope Francis in wiping out the tears of the affected migrants and refugees.

The South Zone Manager Dr. John Arokiaraj said that the co-operation rendered by the collaborators is very encouraging and this experience serves as a curtain raiser for future campaigns of Caritas India. “We could see a lot of enthusiastic volunteers coming forward to contribute their best” he added.

Indeed Caritas India is thankful to the collaborators viz., The Bishops, Diocesan Social Service Societies, Parishes, Indian Social Institute (Bangalore),  National and Tamil Nadu Labour Commissions, National Domestic Workers Movement, Tamil Nadu Social Service Society, Andhrapradesh Social Forum ,Congregation of Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary and above all the migrant and refugee community people.