2025 for January 1970

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, during an interaction with students in Kolkata on August 22, 2025, highlighted that migration is essential to globalisation and has historically driven human progress.
He further stressed that diversity is the foundation of Indian society, fostering genuine growth and development for the nation and its people.

Migration is both a cause and consequence of globalisation. It represents the mobility of people across and within borders in search of opportunities shaped by global economic changes.
While often portrayed as problematic, migration contributes significantly to sustainable development.
In poorer regions, remittances improve household security and support local economies, while in ageing industrial societies, migrant workers fill labour shortages and sustain welfare systems.

International Migration: Driven by global restructuring of labour markets, especially demand for semi-skilled and unskilled workers in developed countries.
- Migrants often find employment in informal sectors such as textiles, construction, and agriculture.
Internal Migration: Linked to relocation of industries and tourism growth in the Global South, where rural workers, especially women, migrate for low-paying but vital jobs.
- Migration is also a path for youth to gain independence and exposure.

Economic Support: Remittances are critical for household survival, investment in agriculture, housing, and local enterprises.
Skill Transfer: Returning migrants bring new skills and open non-farm opportunities if adequate infrastructure exists.
Social Impact: Migration fosters cultural exchange and reshapes community expectations, especially for women and youth seeking autonomy.

Restrictive Policies: Immigration controls often strengthen illegal smuggling networks and exploitative employers, rather than addressing underlying labour market needs.
Exclusion from Urban Services: Internal migrants face difficulties in accessing housing, healthcare, and education due to restrictive policies.
Informal Labour Exploitation: Many undocumented migrants work under poor conditions with limited rights and protections.
Unequal Benefits: Skilled migrants earn more and invest productively, while unskilled migrants face lower incomes and limited capacity to send remittances.
Gender Disparities: Women migrants often face social pressures but can be strong agents of change where they have access to land and resources.

The report stresses that migration should be recognised as both a choice and a contributor to development, not merely a problem to be controlled.
Policies must:
- Protect migrants’ rights and improve working conditions.
- Support productive use of remittances through training and infrastructure.
- Ensure equitable access to resources, especially for women.
- Reduce structural constraints that force people into migration as the only survival strategy.

During an interaction with students in Kolkata, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen underscored that migration is fundamental to globalisation and has historically driven human progress.
He explained that cultural, linguistic, scientific, and artistic advancements—such as the repeated Arabic translations of Brahmagupta’s mathematical works—reflect migration’s role in collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Stressing that “almost nothing would happen” without the movement of people, Sen noted that migration enriches societies through food, music, culture, and ideas.
He also highlighted that diversity forms the bedrock of Indian society, enabling true growth of the nation and its people.
His remarks come amid recent attacks on migrants from West Bengal in other states, which have caused livelihood losses.

Migration is deeply linked with globalisation and has long been central to human survival and progress.
Its contributions to economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development are undeniable.
However, without supportive policies, migrants remain vulnerable to exploitation, exclusion, and inequality.
Recognising their role and safeguarding their rights is essential to harness migration as a force for inclusive global development.

Source: TH | IIED

Migration and Globalisation FAQs

Q1: What did Amartya Sen say about migration and globalisation?

Ans: He said migration has been a major source of global progress and is essential for cultural and economic advancement.

Q2: Why does Sen emphasise migration’s importance?

Ans: He argued that without migration, “almost nothing would happen,” as it fosters collaboration in culture, knowledge, food, and music.

Q3: What role does diversity play according to Sen?

Ans: He stated that diversity is the bedrock of Indian society and crucial for the nation’s genuine growth and development.

Q4: What historical example did Sen cite?

Ans: He mentioned that Brahmagupta’s mathematics book was translated six times into Arabic, showing migration’s role in knowledge exchange.

Q5: What is the contemporary context of his remarks?

Ans: His comments come amid rising attacks on Bengali migrants in other states, causing livelihood losses and political controversy.