AMRAT Holds National Meet in Mumbai, Decides to Combat Human Trafficking

Mumbai, September 16, 2025: The National Meeting of AMRAT (Asian Movement of Religious Against Human Trafficking) – Talitha Kum India for executive members and regional coordinators was held on 13–14 September at Atma Darshan, Andheri, Mumbai. Centred on the theme “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10), the two-day programme brought together 33 sisters from 27 congregations across 15 states of India.

The gathering opened with the Goa Region leading the inaugural prayer and Mass, setting a spiritual tone for the sessions. Fr. Tony Menezes SVD, Director of Atma Darshan, conducted workshops on Group Dynamics and Team Building through creative activities such as photo-sharing, origami aeroplanes, and storytelling, which explored the values of trust, networking, and collaboration. Participants also reflected on three levels of trust: Calculus-Based, Knowledge-Based, and Identity-Based.

Fr. Issac Rumao SJ, project consultant, guided reflections that enabled participants to identify strengths, challenges, and strategies for teamwork. Discussions stressed the importance of strategic planning, relationship-building, and innovation in advancing the mission. Sr. Meera Mathew RGS, AMRAT President, underlined the importance of clear communication and unity in mission. Regional coordinators shared ground realities, ranging from Kerala’s strong awareness base to Bihar’s limited resources.

Sr. Jyoti Pinto, foundress of AMRAT, recalled the organisation’s humble beginnings and growth, while Sr. Beena Thomas CM presented data on training and awareness programmes. Regional teams were formed, and action plans were prepared for the year ahead.

The Meeting Produced Several Key Resolutions for Future Growth

• Strengthening regional coordination with improved communication.
• Preparing a narrative report and PowerPoint for the upcoming AGBM.
• Bifurcating Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry regions for focused outreach.
• Creating new regional email IDs for smooth handovers.
• Registering for the Neighbourhood Parliament initiative.
• Enhancing AMRAT’s media presence and updating its website.

Participants also announced a Zoom webinar for 28 September and resolved to engage young people as ambassadors in awareness initiatives.

Celebrating Key Achievements

• Training of over 154 sisters in leadership and 82 in mass media/communication.
• Three psycho-social integration sessions.
• Growth in awareness across regions, with Kerala leading.
• Launch of the Youth Ambassador Programme.
• Strategic regional plans submitted by North, South, East, and West teams.

The National Meet concluded with renewed commitment and concrete action steps. Participants left Atma Darshan inspired, with stronger bonds of collaboration and determination to combat human trafficking.

About AMRAT – Talitha Kum India

Talitha Kum India is the network of consecrated life against human trafficking. Born in 2009 at Raia, Goa, AMRAT – Talitha Kum India is part of the global Talitha Kum network of women religious against trafficking. Founded by Sr. Jyoti Pinto BS, AMRAT brings together 200 congregations from 22 states of India with the vision of a society free from enslavement. Through awareness, prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and advocacy, AMRAT walks with victims and survivors to restore dignity and hope.

By Sr. Ekta (FSLG)

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