Migration, Threats to Identity and Diminishing Human Dignity

History is a story of human migration dating back to the ancient nomadic life when tribes moved with shifting cultivation. Organized living came into being with the advent of family, the founding of an institution which had lasting impression on the social life of man. Indian history speaks of migration as a milestone, with the Aryan and the Dravidian migration followed by foreign invaders, who established kingdoms, exercised power, built dynasties and handled governance for hundreds of years. In the modern world migrations are largely determined by political ideology, religion and faith, cultural beliefs and practices, social affiliation and economic compulsions, although disasters, wars and diseases also are not insignificant reasons. Many of the above mentioned are drivers while other reasons such as improved earnings, establishing businesses, utilization of skills and opportunities, are dragging them into migration. Migration is an ever pervasive phenomenon which can’t be stopped or reversed. World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that globally there are an estimated 258 million international migrants and 763 million internal migrants, people forcibly displaced from their homes is another 68 million. These figures are alarming. This paper discusses the causes and consequences of migration relating it to specific events in history during different periods of time. Attempt is also made to bring out its impact on human dignity particularly with regard to issues of identity, in the backdrop of displacement, marginalization and vulnerabilities.