Abstract

Migration and displacement are not merely movements across geographical boundaries but deeply transformative processes that reshape individual and collective identities. This paper explores the lived realities of marginalized communities who experience forced or voluntary migration, focusing on how displacement affects their sense of belonging, cultural continuity, and political recognition. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and selected case narratives—including those of Dalits, Adivasis, refugees, and gender-nonconforming individuals—this research highlights the intersections of caste, gender, ethnicity, and class in shaping migratory experiences. While state and institutional narratives often homogenize displacement through policy frameworks, the voices from the margins reveal nuanced struggles for identity, survival, and dignity. This study also examines the role of memory, resistance, and cultural adaptation in constructing post-displacement identities. By foregrounding subaltern perspectives, the article challenges dominant discourses that neglect the socio-political complexities of migration and displacement. Furthermore, it critically engages with the limitations of state responses and the possibilities offered by civil society interventions. The aim is to emphasize the need for inclusive, context-sensitive approaches to migration policy and scholarship. This research contributes to broader debates on migration, citizenship, and belonging by centering those historically excluded from mainstream narratives.