The fearless nun fighting for the rights of the poor
George KJ - February 2025
In a world where the struggles of the poor and marginalized are often ignored, Sr. Sujata Jena stands as a beacon of hope. A member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, she has dedicated her life to defending the rights of migrant workers, bonded laborers, and Dalit communities. Her relentless efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and advocate for exploited workersþespecially from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengalþhave made her a force for justice.
Each year, thousands of Dalits and tribals migrate to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra in search of work. Many are uneducated and unaware of their rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Wage theft, forced labor, physical abuse, and human trafficking are common.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed their plight further. As factories shut down overnight, many workers were left stranded without food, shelter, or transportation. Seeing their suffering, Sr. Jena sprang into action, working tirelessly to help migrants return home safely.
Rescuing the Oppressed
Though bonded labor was officially abolished in 1975, it still exists in many parts of India. Workers are often lured by false promises and trapped in cycles of debt bondage, forced to work under inhumane conditions for little or no pay.
In July 2024, Sr. Jena played a key role in rescuing a pregnant woman and her family from bonded labor at a brick kiln in Karnataka’s Mallur district. The family had been trapped for nine years, working from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM without a single day off. The woman, Deepthi Singh, was denied permission to leave, forced to work despite her pregnancy.
After learning about their plight during an awareness program in Odisha’s Gajapati district, Sr. Jena immediately contacted Karnataka’s Labour Commissioner. The official facilitated the family’s release, but their employer demanded Rs. 3,00,000 for their freedom. Refusing to back down, Sr. Jena fought for their rights, securing their release without any payment. She then ensured their safe return to Odisha.
Even after the rescue, the brick kiln owner continued to harass the family, threatening them and pressuring them to return. Sr. Jena, however, remained firm, ensuring their safety.
This case highlights the cruelty of bonded labor and the courage it takes to fight against powerful employers who exploit workers with impunity.
Empowering Migrant Workers
Sr. Jena’s work extends beyond rescues. She is deeply involved in legal advocacy and policy interventions to secure justice for migrant workers.
She regularly visits villages in Odisha, conducting awareness programs on labor laws, workplace rights, and government welfare schemes. She also works with labor departments in Kerala and Karnataka to register workers, ensuring they are not exploited.
Her efforts have saved many from wage theft, illegal detentions, and human trafficking.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Beyond activism, Sr. Jena is a freelance journalist who brings the struggles of migrants, Dalits, and women into the public eye. She writes for platforms like Matters India and Global Sisters Report, exposing issues ignored by mainstream media.
She believes journalism is a tool for justice. "Media dictates the world, yet much of India’s media is controlled by political parties. It is our responsibility to challenge misinformation," she says.
Through her reporting, she has exposed wage theft, workplace discrimination, government negligence, and human trafficking.
Her work has not come without risks. She has received threats from powerful employers and faced online harassment. Her social media account was once suspended after she wrote about farmers’ rights. But she remains undeterred.
Recognitions
Sr. Jena’s work has earned national and international recognition.
On September 3, 2024, the Vatican recognized her fearless advocacy for migrants. During her visit, Sr. Christi Thekkumpuram of the Catholic Sisters Project praised her "great courage" in tackling high-risk cases.
In 2021, she won the Best Journalist Award from the Indian Catholic Press Association for her work on Dalit and tribal issues.
In 2022, she received the Salvador Memorial Award from the Bombay Catholic Sabha for her contributions to social work.
She credits her commitment to justice to her time with the Udayani Social Action Forum, a Jesuit-led initiative in Kolkata. Under the guidance of Jesuit Father Irudhaya Jothi, she gained experience in women’s empowerment, legal aid, and advocacy for the marginalized.
Fighting for Systemic Change
Fighting for migrant rights in India is dangerous. Many officials and employers resist interventions that expose labor abuses.
Despite the risks, Sr. Jena continues her mission. She fights for unpaid wages, assists families of workers who have died due to negligence, and advocates for policy reforms to protect India’s vast migrant workforce.
She believes in collaboration, working with government agencies, NGOs, and church organizations to bring lasting change.
A Mission of Faith and Justice
Sr. Sujata Jena exemplifies what it means to live the Gospel through action. Whether rescuing bonded laborers, advocating for policy change, or amplifying the voices of the oppressed through journalism, she is a true champion of justice.
At a time when labor exploitation and caste discrimination persist, her work is a reminder of the power of faith, courage, and compassion.
She continues to inspire many, proving that one person’s determination can transform thousands of lives.
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