Guts and Glory

Platforms and Migration

Thanks for your love and attention.

Aru has finally got her podcast going after releasing the first episode of “Tynkrring with XYZ” titled “Freedom and what it means to us”. You can listen on your favourite podcasting app.

Episode 1 - Freedom

If you would like rather watch it then below is link for YouTube Page of Tynkrr.

She and her guest Dr Sharda Nayak focussed on meaning of freedom especially in the context of recent events in Afghanistan and its impact on world in general and South Asia in particular.

DTW

During the Week, photo of an Afghan girl skipping across airport tarmac after arriving in Belgium went viral across the internet.

Idrees Ali @idreesali114

A girl skips across the tarmac as people evacuated from Kabul arrive at Melsbroek military airport in Belgium, August 25, 2021. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

Over recent weeks, I have watched few episodes of Netflix Series- The Last Kingdom and absolutely loved it. We could always pick holes from historical perspective but the lessons of grit , determination and sheer ambition are on display in the series. One constant theme has been of exploration and going to ‘new lands’. Sail for places which are not on map and use compass to find your way. 
Whether crossing the unknown sea or getting ahead in your life, we have a choice between choosing a map vs compass. Do let me know if you are a compass explorer or a map traveller.

As I have discussed earlier, the interplay between platform and migrants could be seen in four dimensions- Preparation, Movement , Adjustment and Remittances. 

First stage of Migration usually start with Preparation which includes motivation or inspiration to migrate as well as accessing information. It could be influenced by multiple social media platforms which keep them connected with already migrated acquaintances. Platforms have been instrumental in creating multi-directional flow of information and have often been used as a first point of information gathering by potential migrants.

Second phase of Migration is about actual movement- both legal and illegal. International Organisation for Migration has launched an initiative called MigAppwhich is an important resource for all stakeholders. It is platform for migrants, international agencies, local governments as well as multiple service providers to ease the migration process. Development of mapping platforms like Google Maps and other offline mapping apps have helped migrant find safe routes to migrate. Travel is also the most dangerous part of the migration story and we have had multiple instances of use of platforms in human trafficking.

Third and final phase of Adjustment involves finding employment, housing and local communities. Platforms like MyRojgaar, Majdoor etc have helped internal migrants in India find employment opportunities even during pandemic times. I have written in an earlier newsletter about role of platforms in blue collar employment. Language translation platforms including google translate , have made the assimilation in foreign cultures easier as well as helped them stay connected with their native language. UNHCR has also worked with multiple stakeholder including Mercy Corps, Google, ThoughtWorks and Translators without Borders together to develop an app Translation Cards which has helped volunteers to share accurate, accessible information with refugees and migrants in the language they understand. Of course, social media platforms through their multiple chat and discussion groups have helped new migrants find their feet in their new homes. Inward Remittances from migrants have been backbone of multiple local economies in India. Of course, if you are missing your local food in a new location, you can reach out to platforms like Trice who bring authentic cuisines from across the nation through its home chef initiative.

Trice Community @tricecommunity

Missing food that tastes like home? Check out our Taste of India store for the authentic taste of home. Pick from our range of ready to eat and ready to cook ingredients from your state. . . . #food #foodie #foodiesofindia #hyderabad #hyderabadfoodie #tasteofindia

Migrants have been using multiple platforms for sending remittances and this space has seen lot of developments leading to lower cost, easier transaction and faster payments in home countries.

OTW

Over the Weekend, National Sports Day was observed across the country. We have seen an increased awareness of importance of sports and fitness as shown by increase in spending on health and fitness product and services. Last Sunday of August has been special to many runners in India as on this day Hyderabad Runners Society organises its much cherished Airtel Hyderabad Marathon.I have been fortunate enough to run across five editions including four as Full Marathon Pacer. It is always a pleasure to run across Hyderabad and get the love and affection of crowd across the run route.

It has been five years since all three of us first ran together at an event. Aru participated in 10KM, Archana finished her Half Marathon and I was Full Marathon Pacer/Finisher. It was an awesome experience and I definitely cherished every moment of it. All of us have been looking forward to getting back to ‘normal‘ lives and being able to be around my favourite runners is definitely very high on my to-do list.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games were inaugurated in Tokyo on August 24 and would continue till September 5. Coca Cola launched an interesting campaign where the protagonists are seen wearing the taunts they received every day, on their T-shirts against the backdrop of the tagline - #TaanePalatDe.

This is a powerful way of standing in solidarity and saluting the sheer grit and determination of these special athletes who come from different walks of life but highlight heroism against all odds and challenges. Sports is also filled with examples of migrants bringing glory to both their native and adopted countries. French football team has often been called the “last African team” as 12 of 23 members of 2018 FIFA World Cup winning team were of African descent.

AJ+ @ajplus

France just won the #WorldCup 19 of its team's 23 players are immigrants or the children of immigrants ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

Stay Safe. Get Vaccinated ASAP.

I Love You

Shailendra

PS- This month’s MountainSpeak guest Col Sukhchain Singh spoke about his vision for future based on his insights from army, engineering and long distance running. You can watch the video here.