"people fail to understand that we too, are people, same as them"

Throughout world history, migrants have always fueled human progress. Today, one out of seven people in the world, are migrants. Out of these one billion people, 250 million people live outside their home and an approximate of 750 million people are domestic migrants. However, migration, the most admirable factor of our time, is often overlooked. I only fully understood this when I spoke to Corine Konan and Renese Koffi as they catalogued their migration story with me. Coming from France and the Ivory Coast, the two women charted out to me their struggles, sentiments about moving to a large metropolitan city such as Bangalore and their rough endeavors throughout their journey. It was only after my conversation with them that I began to actually think about what I can do to make life a little easier in Bangalore for people such as Corine and Renese.

Renese you’re a studying business, how, in your opinion, has life as a student in a foreign country been for you?

I enjoy studying here in Bangalore, as the official language is English. I chose to come here because tuition is cheaper in relation to Europe. However, I have not felt particularly welcomed since I moved here a year ago. People here aren’t open and accepting of people with black skin, they don’t give an opportunity to foreigners to get to know them. For example, in the college that I attend, all the Indians mingle with each other and all the other students, of different nationalities converse with one another.

Corine, you’re a mother of four, your experience must have been different. Could you share with me how life has been treating you since you arrived in India?

My experience is different. I don’t work, so my opinions are distinct. I’m glad my husband got the opportunity to move to a country like India because it is a global country that has a lot to offer. My kids get a good education and mostly everything is available. However, the language dissimilarity is often an obstacle. When I have to communicate with gardeners or with my house help, it takes a while for me to get my message across. On the other hand, I come from a rule-regulated country, where people follow strict rules whether it is on the street or in public places. It was hard for me initially when I found that traffic was an enormous problem in Bangalore and that people don’t particularly obey the rules set by authorities.

How does French culture or culture of the Ivory Coast differ from Indian culture?

(Renese) Like I said, the people are a lot different back home. They accept people of other countries to secure residence in their home country, unlike a few here in India, and “by a few” I mean uneducated people of the lower class. I also feel like the Ivory Coast is a lot more organized in terms of laws and regulations and much safer too. I was mistreated my men thrice here in Bangalore since I moved here, and in 2016, three Ugandan girls were killed here in India. However, in my view, India has better educational and employment opportunities to offer. It has expats from all over the world, which is a relief sometimes as we are reminded that we are not the only ones struggling to find a place in a large city like this. It is also good because we get to share with each other our experiences and relate to one another. (Corine) I really like living here; I am comfortable with the lifestyle I have gotten accustomed to. Life is exhausting with four children, which in my opinion may have more difficult in France without house help, for whom I am extremely grateful for. However, my family and I don’t prefer Indian food, and I don’t like that I have to cook everyday. I also think France is safer; I remember wanting to go back to France to give birth to my fourth child as I wasn’t so sure of the medical services here. However, I have been proven wrong. But for the most part, I admire Indian culture.

Do you still feel connected to your original culture?

(Renese) Yes, of course. It has only been a year since I came here and I still feel a little out of place. I miss home terribly every single day and as a result of the wide culture difference, Indian values and customs often intrigue me, although I am beginning to adopt some of them. But yes, I still feel very connected to my culture and I will never forget my roots because that is the most important thing to remember, especially when living halfway across the world in an alien country. (Corine) I do feel connected to my original culture, yes. But I have come to realize that I have also adopted some Indian values and customs that to my mind, have made me a better person and I think that’s what is important. I want to be a role model for my children, as they will watch me and the way I conduct myself.

Have you had any particularly bad or interesting experiences since your move here?

(Renese) Yes, every single day. When you are a student, you cannot work. And if your parents cannot send you money, how will you support yourself? For this very reason, many students leave after a month of living here. However, I have been blessed. But on the other hand, my experiences have been different. There are some places a foreigner cannot step foot in. I was mistreated and harassed thrice by men and when I went to the police, they did not do anything, as we are not Indian. Moreover, the FRO changes rules for us all the time and when we want to take an auto we are not treated fairly. Even though the auto driver knows the route he takes us on the longer route until the price on the meter is really high and we have no choice but to pay. All this because we have black skin. (Corine) I have similar opinions. We have a different and higher price to pay at hospitals when we are admitted. What really appalled me was the fact that foreigners get a separate room, away from all the Indians. Another experience I had was when I once went grocery shopping. I needed fruits and two salesmen whispered to each other in Kannada to bill the fruits at a higher price because they saw that I wasn’t Indian. I didn’t know what to do because I didn’t have enough money but again, I really needed to buy food for my children. I feel like we are harshly treated. People fail to understand that we too, are people, same as them.

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In my opinion, migration today is the most important tool a country could use for human development. It is sad and unfortunate that this is often overlooked, especially in a country where 28% of the population is migrants. It is because of migrants that we are able to call our country global. Renese and Corine really made me think about little things like this and for that, I am very appreciative of them. I now have an urge to do something that will benefit the community of migrants, even if it means helping one or two of them. This interaction allowed me to reflect on how difficult it truly is for one to venture halfway across the world for employment, familial or educational purposes.