Yearning To Return Home

It is time to bid adieu for migrant labourers from various parts of the country who had got stranded in farms and construction sites of Coimbatore during the lockdown. Though they did find protection and care in the rural community, they are now eager to return to their homes.

While many are homeward bound already, there are several groups of migrant labourers who are still waiting for the final nod from the authorities to embark on their journey back home.

In Poolouvapatti, 8 migrant workers from Odisha were granted shelter during the lockdown by their employer. Hoping to earn a decent livelihood for themselves and their families, these workers had left the safety and comfort of their hometown and had come to Coimbatore to work at construction sites.

But, with the threat of the pandemic looming large, they got stranded in the lockdown. Initially, they managed to fend for themselves by doing odd jobs as agriculture labourers but that dried up very quickly. Moved by their predicament, community members intimated Isha volunteers. Since then, the workers have been getting cooked food daily.

They are now dreaming of returning to their dear ones in Odisha. One of them said: “We are extremely grateful to Isha for helping us. But, now we are worried about our families back home. We have approached the collector’s office with request letters for permission to return to Odisha. We hope to get help soon.”

Their plight is shared equally by migrant workers from different parts of India who are stranded since the lockdown was announced. The economic slowdown caused by the pandemic has also laid the foundation for a deep, humane bond between these workers, community members and volunteers.

The local community members, especially farmers, have reached out to help several groups of migrant workers from Kerala and other states. A migrant worker from Kerala recounted: “Along with a group of 10 workers I came in search of work as a farm labourer in Coimbatore. For the first two weeks we got enough work but after the lockdown we could not find any means to earn our livelihood. When we had no one to turn to, the local community gave us a place to stay and Isha volunteers has been giving us tasty food every day.”

Going beyond their limited means, farmers have risen to the challenge to #BeatTheVirus and displayed exceptional empathy for rural communities. By donating vegetables, they have helped us reach food to those in need.

Farmers are the backbone of our nation, much like the armed forces. In tough times, they have risen up to help in the most actionable manner possible – donating food directly to those in need. #BeatTheVirus pic.twitter.com/kx5GFkFlIP

— Rally For Rivers - Cauvery Calling (@rallyforrivers) May 9, 2020