By Ekta Stephen
Mumbai, Sept 15, 2025: Catholic nuns fighting human trafficking in India have decided to engage young people as ambassadors to check the social menace that enslaves an estimated 8 million fellow citizens.
The decision came at a two-day annual meeting of the Indian unit of AMRAT (Asian Movement of Women Religious against Human Trafficking) held at Atma Darshan, a center for spiritual and psychological counselling managed by the Society of Divine Word in Mumbai.
About 200 congregations from 22 Indian states are members of Amrat, which is part of “Talitha Kum” (Little girl, I say to you, get up), the international network of consecrated life against trafficking in persons. India has around 300 women religious congregations.
As many as 33 sisters from 27 congregations working in 15 Indian states attended the September 13-14 meeting that addressed the theme, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.”
They shared their experience in combating human trafficking in their regions, planned more collaborative action and renewed the network’s mission to oppose trafficking and affirm human dignity.
The meeting decided to introduce youth ambassadors to spread awareness about human trafficking in various regions of India. It also stressed building youth leadership, recognizing youth as vital partners in spreading the organization’s mission.
Approximately 68 percent of India’s 1.4 billion people are in the age group of 15-35.
The meeting also formed regional teams for north, south, east and west and helped them plan future activities.
The organization has so far trained 154 nuns in leadership, and 82 in mass media and communication, besides conducting three sessions on psycho-social integration.
While Father Menezes helped the participants explore the values of trust, networking and collaboration, Father Rumao helped the participants identify their strengths, challenges, and strategies for effective teamwork.
The discussions underscored the importance of strategic planning, relationship-building, and innovation in strengthening the mission.
Amrat president Good Shepherd Sister Meera Mathew stressed the need for clear communication between national and regional teams, transparency in fund use, and unity in mission.
Amrat was founded in 2009 by the then Bethany superior general Sister Jyoti Pinto who brought together more than 70 women congregations working in 22 states at Raia in Goa, with the vision of “a society free from every form of enslavement.”
While modern-day slavery is found in every country, human trafficking is among the most significant human rights issues in India. An estimated 8 million people are reportedly trapped in human trafficking in the country.
Amrat has tried to end this social evil through awareness programs, prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and advocacy. It walks with victims and survivors, restoring dignity and hope, claimed its president.
“We continue to rise in solidarity for justice and human dignity,” Sister Mathew added.
Sister Pinto, the founder who was present at the meeting, recalled the movement’s beginnings and inspiring growth. She said she was inspired by the Union of International Superiors General’s 2007 meeting in Rome that addressed human trafficking.
She then motivated other religious congregations, especially in South Asia, to join hands to combat human trafficking, which she termed as a “heinous crime.”
Congratulations dear Sr Jyoti. Wish you all the best in rhe future plans