Illustration by Vihaan Nigam

Nivedita Nair: At MAP, I was met with resilience in every sense. The resilience of everyone who worked there. Tirelessly moving towards the objective of breaking down the mountain of systematic oppression. And while they knew that moving this mountain was a painstakingly slow task - they persevered with optimism and hope. They knew that every step, every person empowered and every obstacle overcome would someday come together in the reflection of a system built on justice and equity. What struck me the most was their perseverance to reach out to the local community, in the form of legal desks or workshops - to create a pathway for those who were the most marginalised, simultaneously lifting the standard for everyone who lies within the binary of privilege and disempowerment.  

The resilience of everyone who worked at Sillaiwali. As they wove their threads of despair into the craft of hope - they revolutionised art into a tool of resistance. Resistance against the struggles, exclusion and subjugation that was determined to burn them down. Instead, they used their quiet rebellion to rise like phoenixes - combating and rewriting their stories into ones of independence and determination. And finally, the resilience of the law. Its absolute resolve to remain a tool for the people. While justice as a concept has been heavily obscured and doubted - MAP holds on to the very core that makes the law the most unique system - equity, truth and empowerment.

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Vihaan Nigam: My visit to MAPs office was a truly eye-opening experience that significantly broadened my understanding of the challenges faced by asylum-seekers world-wide, as well as the support systems available to them in India. During the tour, I was lucky to interact with several members of the MAP team, who guided me through a series of informative videos and presentations outlining the organisation’s main mission and core objectives. These discussions helped me appreciate not only the scale of the displacement crisis but also the structured approach MAP adopts in addressing it. I was particularly fascinated to learn about the many ways in which MAP assists asylum seekers in integrating into Indian society and rebuilding their lives from scratch. This includes preparing them for their interviews with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is a crucial step in obtaining official refugee status.

In addition to its work with displaced migrants, MAP also addresses broader social issues within India through various specialised teams. For instance, its labour team focuses on educating inter-state migrant workers about their legal rights and protections, empowering them to resist exploitation and unfair treatment in the workplace. I also learned about the organisation’s gender team, which was established during the COVID-19 lockdown in response to a sharp increase in domestic violence cases, and general gender violence. Both teams specially provide legal support to women facing abuse at home or exploitation in the workplace, helps them secure protection from their spouses, and works to ensure the safety and proper custody arrangements for their children or the establishment of a sanitized crèche at the workplace to care for the infant.

After our briefing at the MAP office, we were taken on a guided tour of the headquarters of Silaiwali, a remarkable social enterprise with a unique and meaningful mission. Silaiwali focuses on upcycling textile waste (materials that would otherwise be discarded) into beautifully handcrafted, bohemian-style dolls and home decor items. What makes the initiative particularly impactful is that it employs displaced Afghan women, providing them with both a creative outlet and a source of livelihood during a period of transition in their lives. The organisation aims to offer these women a temporary yet stable source of income by engaging them in the process of designing, stitching, and assembling the products, which are then sold in international markets. This not only helps them achieve a degree of financial independence but also allows them to regain confidence and a sense of purpose after displacement. This support enables them to either pursue further education or secure more permanent employment opportunities within India. I was especially captivated by the intricate craftsmanship of the dolls, many of which were inspired by women from different cultures around the world, as well as stylised anthropomorphic animals (illustrated above).

Finally, we visited a nearby community library run by displaced Afghans, yet open to all residents of the neighbourhood. The library’s guidelines made its values clear, placing strong emphasis on inclusivity and mutual respect, while strictly prohibiting hate speech and any form of anti-Islamic language. This created an environment that felt not only welcoming but also designed to foster harmony among people from diverse backgrounds. I was pleasantly surprised by how vibrant and well-maintained the library was, especially in an era where digital media and online platforms have led us to assume that traditional libraries are losing their relevance. I was surprised to find that the space was lively and actively used, with people of different ages engaging in reading, studying, and quiet discussion. It became clear that the library served a purpose far beyond simply housing books. More than just a place for reading, the library functioned as a vital community hub: a space where individuals could come together, share ideas, and work in a calm and supportive environment. For many, it offered a safe and accessible setting to focus on their studies or personal tasks, while also fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the community.