Beyond Frameworks: Migration in India

Introduction

• Discussion centered on migration in India
• Exploring the connection between migration, mangoes, dosas, and pressure cookers

Migration and Mangoes

• Alfonso mangoes (apus) from Konkan region
• Konkan region known for mass migration since late 19th century
• Ratnagiri: Consistent female surplus due to male migration
• Migrants typically return home
• "Great Indian migration wave": 20% of districts show persistent mass migration for over 130 years
• Konkan region symbolism: famous for mangoes and migration ("man goes")

Udupi and South Indian Cuisine

• Udupi: District associated with popularization of South Indian food across India
• Migrants from Udupi spread South Indian culinary culture
• Other significant migration areas: Ganjam (Odisha), Azamgarh (UP), Saran (Bihar)
• Migration is a long-running phenomenon in India

Different Migration Patterns

• Migration seen as a right of passage in states like Kerala
• Migration leads to economic remittances
• Economic dependence on migrant remittances: Kerala (Gulf money), Bihar (money from Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra)
• Internal interconnections: Stories of Konkan mangoes and migration intertwined

Pressure Cookers and International Migration

• 30 million Indians abroad
• Essential items for Indian migrants: Mug and pressure cooker
• Pressure cooker as a cultural symbol reminding migrants of home

Types of Migration

1. Marriage Migration
   • Predominantly women migrating due to marriage
   • Represents over 300 million female migrants
2. Work Migration
   • Predominantly male, occurring in densely populated areas like Kerala, Bihar
   • Climate change intensifying migration due to fragile ecosystems
3. International Migration
   • For education (e.g., Indian students in Ukraine)
   • Emerging diverse migration patterns

Economic Impact and Business

• Indian subcontinent highly interconnected due to migration
• Indian IT industry, health ecosystem linked to returnee NRI contributions
• $80 billion worth of remittances from migrants abroad

Emerging Trends in Migration

• North to South migration driven by wage differentials
• Changing political landscapes due to migration policies
• Anti-migration quotas by political parties against constitutional guarantees

Business Communities and Migration

• Dominant business communities: Marwadis, Gujaratis, Sindhis, Punjabis, Chettiars
• Migration and adaptation enabling business success
• New business communities emerging

The Pandemic's Impact

• March 24, 2020 lockdown: Massive reverse migration
• Circular migration: One foot in village, one in city (Great Indian migration wave)
• Migration crisis visibility and forced diversification
• Migration as a personal choice
• Long-term trend: Continued urban migration despite temporary reverse migration

Migration and Economic Development

• Migration seen as a part of economic development
• Ambedkar vs. Gandhi's views on migration:
  • Ambedkar: Cities as places of liberation
  • Gandhi: Celebration of village life
• Future trends: Continued urban migration expected