Migrant worker’s journey to lifeline in Bengaluru
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R Kaleemullah, a 51-year-old labour union leader in Bengaluru, India, assists migrant workers facing issues like wage theft, eviction, and legal troubles.
Kaleemullah arrived in Bengaluru in 1991 after leaving his village in Andhra Pradesh with only a tenth-grade education, and initially struggled to survive, sometimes going hungry and walking long distances to save money. He found work at a garment shop, where he witnessed the hardships faced by workers from outside the state, inspiring him to help.
Over time, Kaleemullah built a network of lawyers, social workers, and volunteers to support those in need, often accompanying workers to police stations and legal consultations to learn the system. He expanded his work to include assisting women experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, he helped migrants from across India. His advocacy has not been without challenges, as he has faced threats and criticism for supporting women and Muslim workers.
Despite these difficulties, and after undergoing cardiac surgery, Kaleemullah continues to provide support, driven by his own experience with vulnerability and a desire to prevent others from feeling helpless. He now also mentors students and helps children of migrant workers access education.
