The COVID-19 lockdown turned thousands of migrant workers into refugees overnight. Stranded in cities with no work, money, or transportation, many had no choice but to begin the long, painful walk back home—some covering thousands of kilometers on foot. Along the way, they faced hunger, exhaustion, and police harassment. Yet, in this darkness, there were moments of hope. Organizations like ADATS, along with kind-hearted individuals, stepped in to provide food, water, and small amounts of cash, helping migrants continue their journey. Despite government inaction, the kindness of strangers became a lifeline for many.
With no trains or buses available, migrant workers—painters, construction workers, factory employees—began walking, cycling, or hitching risky rides to reach their villages. Some were stopped at checkpoints and forced to turn back. Others were searched and treated like criminals. Their only crime? Wanting to go home. Many hadn’t eaten in days, and some had no more than a few rupees in their pockets.
At the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border, ADATS volunteers worked tirelessly, distributing dry rations, slippers, and ₹500 cash to help migrants buy transport. They convinced police to let people pass and even negotiated with truck drivers to take migrants further north. Many workers broke down in tears upon receiving a meal or a helping hand. Others, too proud to take charity, insisted on selling their rations for bus fare.
This crisis laid bare the neglect of India’s migrant workforce. If not for community-led efforts, many more would have suffered or perished. The pandemic was a wake-up call—one that demands better protections, humane policies, and a system that ensures no worker is left behind again.
Keywords: Migrants, Lockdown, Home, Bangalore, Police, Food, Journey, Relief, Transportation, Humanity, ADATS, COVID, Workers
“We just want to go Home!” – Migrants During COVID!
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