Paper
Narratives of Neglect: Unmasking the Experiences of Indian Migrant Workers and the Middle Class Amidst Public Amnesia and State Policies
presenters
Smytta
Nationality: India
Residence: India
Presence:Face to Face/ On Site
Keywords:
Gond Adivasi Migrant workers Historical amnesia Labor rights Social justice
Abstract:
This study delves into the phenomenon of historical amnesia and its profound implications for recognizing the indispensable contributions made by Gond Adivasi migrant workers to the nation's development. It scrutinizes how media representations and cultural narratives often selectively remember or omit the struggles and rights of Gond Adivasi migrant workers, perpetuating a distorted view of their experiences. Moreover, it examines the far-reaching consequences of state policies on labor rights, social protection, and access to essential services for both Gond Adivasi migrant workers and the middle class, shedding light on the systemic inequalities embedded within these frameworks.
Additionally, the research probes into the pivotal role played by civil society organizations and grassroots movements in challenging public amnesia and advocating for the rights of Gond Adivasi migrant workers. It also delves into the complex dynamics of the middle class, highlighting its dual function as both beneficiaries and enablers of systems that exploit and exclude Gond Adivasi laborers. Furthermore, it explores how intersecting factors such as class, caste, gender, and regional identities shape the experiences of Gond Adivasi migrant workers and the middle class, deepening our understanding of the multifaceted nature of their socio-economic realities.
Finally, the study offers insights into strategies aimed at fostering solidarity, empathy, and collective action between Gond Adivasi migrant workers and the middle class, envisioning pathways toward a more equitable and inclusive society. Through a nuanced examination of these interconnected themes, this research seeks to contribute to a broader discourse on migration, labor rights, and social justice in contemporary India.