REGIONAL ASSEMBLY REPORT 2025 - DELHI

Report of the AMRAT Talitha Kum - Delhi Regional AssemblyTheme: Talitha Kum – Rise to Life, Hope, and MissionDate: 30th August 2025

The Delhi Region of AMRAT gathered on 30th August 2025 for its Regional Assembly under the theme “Talitha Kum – Rise to Life, Hope, and Mission.” The day was filled with prayer, reflection, sharing, and a renewed commitment to the mission of preventing human trafficking and promoting human dignity.

Opening Prayer and Symbolic Action

The program began with a prayer led by the Regional Coordinator, Sr. Bensy FMM. During the opening prayer, a symbolic action was performed:  Sr. Anjini, FMM’s hands were bound with chains, signifying the struggles and bondage that victims of trafficking endure. Later, Sr. Meera RGS, the National Coordinator, broke the chains, symbolizing liberation and our collective call to bring hope and freedom to the oppressed.

Welcome and Introductory Note

Sr. Maria SD, the Regional Treasurer, extended a warm welcome to all. After the welcome, Sr. Bensy FMM introduced Fr. Susai Sebastin, former Director of Chetnalaya and Society for Social Development in Northern India and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Delhi.

In his inspiring reflection based on the Book of Genesis, Fr. Susai reminded the assembly that when God created human beings, He declared them good. As Christians, we are called to recognize the sacredness of each life and to ensure that no one lives in degradation or bondage. He shared his experiences at Chetnalaya in addressing domestic work and human trafficking issues, highlighting that though laws exist, trafficking continues—rooted mainly in poverty and illiteracy. He stressed that every human being is called to live with dignity and concluded with the reminder: “We do this because we are disciples of Christ. In every human person who is exploited, Christ is exploited and wounded.” Sr. Bensy FMM thanked him and invited Sr. Oliviya SCB, who felicitated him with a sapling as a token of gratitude.

Input Session by Mr. Nirmal Gorana

After a short tea break, Mr. Nirmal Gorana, a renowned social activist who has rescued over 25,000 children and bonded labourers, was introduced by Sr. Bensy FMM as the day’s resource person. He began by inviting participants to introduce themselves and then challenged everyone to reflect daily, even for just fifteen minutes, on what is happening around us—since trafficking often occurs in plain sight.

He presented key insights:

• Definition: Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation. It is a severe violation of human rights and a form of modern-day slavery.

• Global and Indian Context:

  • According to the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024, detected victims increased by 25% between 2019–2022, with children making up nearly 40%.

  • In India (2018): 2,278 total cases; in Delhi: 98 cases. Convictions remain very low.

• Types of Trafficking: Child trafficking, marriage trafficking, organ trafficking, sex trafficking, labour trafficking, and others such as drug and arms smuggling.

• Causes: Poverty, lack of education, demand for cheap labour/sex, weak human rights protection, lack of economic opportunities, cultural factors, conflict/natural disasters, unsafe migration, deception, and profit motives.

• Effects on Victims:

  • Physical health: HIV/AIDS, pregnancies, STDs, injuries, malnutrition, chronic pain.

  • Mental health: trauma, depression, PTSD, addiction, isolation, hopelessness.

• Punishments under Indian Law (BNS):

  • Trafficking one person: 7–10 years imprisonment.

  • Multiple persons/children: 10 years to life imprisonment.

  • Under 18 years: life imprisonment.

  • Repeat offences: lifetime imprisonment.

• Legal Framework in India: The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (1956), the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act (1976), and constitutional protections under Articles 21 and 23.

• Support & Rehabilitation Schemes: The Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers (2021), which provides both financial and non-financial assistance.

• Campaigns & Advocacy: Efforts for migrant workers’ rights, abolition of child marriage and labour, women’s protection against workplace harassment, and education for workers’ children.

He encouraged participants to use their education and awareness to combat trafficking and invited them to become members of vigilance committees formed by the government.

In a moving moment, Mr. Dhanush, a survivor of trafficking whom Mr. Gorana had assisted, shared his painful journey and eventual liberation, as well as his ongoing contribution to help other victims. Sr. Bensy, FMM thanked Mr. Gorana and Dhanush, Sr. Maria SD felicitated Mr. Gorana and Sr. Rosy FSMA felicitated Mr. Dhanush with saplings symbolizing life and growth. A group photo session followed, after which participants proceeded to lunch. 

Regional Reports

After lunch, Sr. Bensy FMM presented the activity report of the Delhi Region for the year 2024–2025, and Sr. Maria SD read the financial report for the year.

President’s Talk

Sr. Bensy FMM invited Sr. Meera RGS, National President of AMRAT Talitha Kum, to address the gathering. Sr. Meera explained the history, vision, and mission of AMRAT Talitha Kum, particularly for new members, and emphasized the collaborative spirit of the mission. The group then proceeded to discussions and drafted an action plan.

Action Plans

Each sister shared her experiences of working with domestic workers, women, and girls affected by trafficking. Sr. Sneha, an advocate, stressed the importance of strategic planning and assured that the lawyers’ forum is ready to contribute by offering legal awareness sessions for sisters.

The group agreed on the following:

1. Organizing five awareness programs for sisters through CRI, coordinated by:

   • South Delhi – Sr. Ema, OLG

   • Gurugram – Sr. Vineeta, CFMSS

   • Dwarka & Palam – Srs. Kirthana, SSAM & Daisy, FCC

   • North-East Delhi – Srs. Sneha, PBVM & Bensy, FMM

   • Ghaziabad – Srs. Maria, SD & Rosy, FSMA

2. Conducting legal awareness programs with the help of lawyer sisters.

Announcements

Sr. Meera RGS announced an upcoming program at NISCORT from 3rd–5th October 2025 on Cyber Crime, Digital Arrest, and Social Media. With two seats available, names of interested sisters were registered.

Closing Remarks

Participants expressed gratitude for the day, describing it as homely, inspiring, enriching, enlightening, and highly useful. Both new and experienced members found it informative, well-organized, and motivating in their resolve to act against trafficking.

Thanksgiving Note

The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Sr. Rosy FSMA, Regional Secretary, who expressed gratitude to Almighty God, the national and regional leaders, the guest speakers, and all participants. With mutual thanks, the assembly came to a joyful close.

Report by:

Sr. Bensy M.S, FMM -  Coordinator

Sr. Rosy, FSMA        - Secretary

Sr. Maria, SD           - Treasurer