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The Adventure at the Brick Kiln!!
The Adventure at the Brick Kiln: A Journey of Discovery
Last summer, during the vibrant month of May, our family reunited in our ancestral village for my uncle’s wedding. It was a joyous occasion, bringing together cousins who hadn't seen each other for years. After days filled with dancing, laughter, and endless fun, the wedding festivities came to an end, leaving just a few of us behind: my brothers Abhay and Shan, our cousins Rudra and Shona, and our friend Pari.
One bright afternoon, as the sun blazed overhead, we found ourselves sitting under the shade of a sprawling banyan tree. Our lively group, always full of energy, decided to play antakshari and other games to pass the time. But soon, our adventurous spirits craved something more thrilling.
“Let’s explore the village!” suggested Abhay, his eyes sparkling with excitement. We all agreed eagerly, setting off with nothing but our phones and a sense of curiosity. shan was not interested in going with us as it was summer afternoon and he didn't show any interest in exploring in that hot weather!! but we all were ready and Our exploration led us through forests and near serene lakes, swinging on the banyan tree vines and enjoying the natural beauty around us.
Suddenly, we noticed a plume of black smoke rising in the sky. Intrigued and a bit concerned, we decided to follow it. The trail led us to a brick kiln on the outskirts of the village. From a distance, the kiln looked imposing, with large stacks and workers moving about like tiny ants.“Let’s check it out,” Rudra suggested, his curiosity piqued. Although we felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, we all agreed and approached the kiln.
As we stepped into the kiln area, we were immediately struck by the sight of laborers working tirelessly under the scorching sun. The ground was littered with unbaked bricks, while large piles of baked bricks awaited transport. We noticed a mountain of coal, the fuel for baking the bricks, adding to the intense heat of the place.
Driven by a mix of curiosity and concern, we decided to talk to the workers and learn more about their lives. One elderly worker, with weathered hands and a kind smile, shared their daily struggles with us. He explained that they didn’t work based on time but on targets. Each worker had to make 1,600 bricks a day, earning a mere 50 paisa per brick. Shockingly, women earned even less than men, despite performing the same grueling tasks. To our dismay, we also saw children working alongside their parents, their tiny hands helping with the heavy labor without any pay.
Shona was the first to break the silence. "Do you face any health problems working here?" he asked. The worker nodded solemnly, explaining that many of them suffered from respiratory issues and skin problems due to constant exposure to coal dust and high temperatures.Rudra, always inquisitive, asked, "How do you manage to produce so many bricks every day?" The worker detailed the grueling process: mixing clay with water to form a pliable dough, shaping it into bricks using molds, and then drying them in the sun before finally baking them in kilns.
me, with genuine concern, asked about the government schemes available for the education of children and the health of women. "Are there any benefits you receive from the government?". The workers, in unison, replied with a disheartening "No."
Abhay,raised concerns about the environmental impact of the kiln. "How does this operation affect the environment?" he questioned, his brow furrowed with worry. The workers explained the pollution caused by the kiln and its detrimental effects on the surrounding ecosystem.
As the conversation continued, I took the opportunity to share some information with the workers. "Did you know that there are government schemes available for the education of your children and the health of women?" I asked. "You have rights as workers, and it's important to be aware of them." The workers listened intently, soaking in the information. Some seemed surprised to learn about the available support, while others nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of knowing their rights.
pari and shona asked about the functioning of the brick kiln.. they replied that first the used to collect mud then give it a shape and let it be to get solid for atleast 2-3 days..after that the baking process takes place.
now Rudra asked about the money they get by selling those bricks..the labours replied that it is according to the quality of brick...they used to make various qualities of bricks.
so they also tell us about mechanism and apparatus they use..
However, as we explored deeper, a dangerous incident occurred. As we ventured deeper into the kiln, we approached the area where the bricks were baked. Suddenly, Rudra slipped, his foot giving way on the unstable ground. In a split second, I grabbed his shirt, pulling him back just as the rest of our cousins caught hold of me. We stood there, heart pounding, realizing how close we had come to a serious accident. The ground where Rudra almost fell was a dangerous 8-foot drop, with extreme heat emanating from the baking bricks below, and we were not able to recognise the danger of that land by our naked eye because it was covered by fragile mud sheet above which there were all land looking scene.Seeing our distress, a knowledgeable worker guided us to safety and informed us about the risks of wandering around the kiln. He pointed out areas that were safe to walk on and explained how the entire process worked. The head of the kiln approached us, curious about our presence. We nervously explained that we were conducting a survey to understand the workers' conditions and hoped to bring about some positive changes and explained our intention to understand the working conditions and advocate for the laborers' rights. He seemed impressed by our concern and answered our questions about the kiln's operations and the workers' challenges.
When we inquired why they chose such a difficult job, one worker simply said, “It’s our destiny.”
Our conversation with the kiln head also highlighted the gender disparity. Despite the immense physical labor, women were paid less because they were perceived to be less capable than men. Regarding child labor, the head defensively claimed that children worked voluntarily, but we knew the reality was far more complex.As we wrapped up our impromptu survey, we couldn’t ignore the environmental damage and the health problems the kiln caused. The air was thick with pollutants, and the workers' health was visibly deteriorating.
as the time passes we thought to go back to home!!as sun was about to set !
Upon returning home, we eagerly shared our experiences with our parents. However, instead of the understanding and support we had hoped for, we were met with severe reprimands for venturing into such a dangerous place without permission. They were worried sick about the risks we had taken.
Despite the scolding, the day's events left an indelible mark on us. We had witnessed firsthand the harsh realities faced by the brick kiln workers—their exploitation, health issues, and lack of social support. It became clear that raising awareness and advocating for their rights was not just important but necessary.....Shan felt like he missed such a wonderful experience after listening our story and by watching photos,and he said "now i will never miss any chance to explore with you all"
Back at college, I shared our adventure with my professors, Shahwaiz Sir and Zeeshan Sir. They listened intently as I recounted the conditions at the kiln and the stories of the workers. To my surprise and delight, they appreciated our initiative and were proud of our efforts to bring attention to such an important issue. They encouraged me to compile our findings into a detailed report, emphasizing the significance of shedding light on the plight of these workers.
Our day at the brick kiln had opened our eyes to a world we had been oblivious to. It taught us the importance of empathy, awareness, and the need to stand up against injustice. And while our journey had been fraught with danger, it was also filled with invaluable lessons that we carried forward, determined to make a difference.
© soumya.tiwari
Last summer, during the vibrant month of May, our family reunited in our ancestral village for my uncle’s wedding. It was a joyous occasion, bringing together cousins who hadn't seen each other for years. After days filled with dancing, laughter, and endless fun, the wedding festivities came to an end, leaving just a few of us behind: my brothers Abhay and Shan, our cousins Rudra and Shona, and our friend Pari.
One bright afternoon, as the sun blazed overhead, we found ourselves sitting under the shade of a sprawling banyan tree. Our lively group, always full of energy, decided to play antakshari and other games to pass the time. But soon, our adventurous spirits craved something more thrilling.
“Let’s explore the village!” suggested Abhay, his eyes sparkling with excitement. We all agreed eagerly, setting off with nothing but our phones and a sense of curiosity. shan was not interested in going with us as it was summer afternoon and he didn't show any interest in exploring in that hot weather!! but we all were ready and Our exploration led us through forests and near serene lakes, swinging on the banyan tree vines and enjoying the natural beauty around us.
Suddenly, we noticed a plume of black smoke rising in the sky. Intrigued and a bit concerned, we decided to follow it. The trail led us to a brick kiln on the outskirts of the village. From a distance, the kiln looked imposing, with large stacks and workers moving about like tiny ants.“Let’s check it out,” Rudra suggested, his curiosity piqued. Although we felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, we all agreed and approached the kiln.
As we stepped into the kiln area, we were immediately struck by the sight of laborers working tirelessly under the scorching sun. The ground was littered with unbaked bricks, while large piles of baked bricks awaited transport. We noticed a mountain of coal, the fuel for baking the bricks, adding to the intense heat of the place.
Driven by a mix of curiosity and concern, we decided to talk to the workers and learn more about their lives. One elderly worker, with weathered hands and a kind smile, shared their daily struggles with us. He explained that they didn’t work based on time but on targets. Each worker had to make 1,600 bricks a day, earning a mere 50 paisa per brick. Shockingly, women earned even less than men, despite performing the same grueling tasks. To our dismay, we also saw children working alongside their parents, their tiny hands helping with the heavy labor without any pay.
Shona was the first to break the silence. "Do you face any health problems working here?" he asked. The worker nodded solemnly, explaining that many of them suffered from respiratory issues and skin problems due to constant exposure to coal dust and high temperatures.Rudra, always inquisitive, asked, "How do you manage to produce so many bricks every day?" The worker detailed the grueling process: mixing clay with water to form a pliable dough, shaping it into bricks using molds, and then drying them in the sun before finally baking them in kilns.
me, with genuine concern, asked about the government schemes available for the education of children and the health of women. "Are there any benefits you receive from the government?". The workers, in unison, replied with a disheartening "No."
Abhay,raised concerns about the environmental impact of the kiln. "How does this operation affect the environment?" he questioned, his brow furrowed with worry. The workers explained the pollution caused by the kiln and its detrimental effects on the surrounding ecosystem.
As the conversation continued, I took the opportunity to share some information with the workers. "Did you know that there are government schemes available for the education of your children and the health of women?" I asked. "You have rights as workers, and it's important to be aware of them." The workers listened intently, soaking in the information. Some seemed surprised to learn about the available support, while others nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of knowing their rights.
pari and shona asked about the functioning of the brick kiln.. they replied that first the used to collect mud then give it a shape and let it be to get solid for atleast 2-3 days..after that the baking process takes place.
now Rudra asked about the money they get by selling those bricks..the labours replied that it is according to the quality of brick...they used to make various qualities of bricks.
so they also tell us about mechanism and apparatus they use..
However, as we explored deeper, a dangerous incident occurred. As we ventured deeper into the kiln, we approached the area where the bricks were baked. Suddenly, Rudra slipped, his foot giving way on the unstable ground. In a split second, I grabbed his shirt, pulling him back just as the rest of our cousins caught hold of me. We stood there, heart pounding, realizing how close we had come to a serious accident. The ground where Rudra almost fell was a dangerous 8-foot drop, with extreme heat emanating from the baking bricks below, and we were not able to recognise the danger of that land by our naked eye because it was covered by fragile mud sheet above which there were all land looking scene.Seeing our distress, a knowledgeable worker guided us to safety and informed us about the risks of wandering around the kiln. He pointed out areas that were safe to walk on and explained how the entire process worked. The head of the kiln approached us, curious about our presence. We nervously explained that we were conducting a survey to understand the workers' conditions and hoped to bring about some positive changes and explained our intention to understand the working conditions and advocate for the laborers' rights. He seemed impressed by our concern and answered our questions about the kiln's operations and the workers' challenges.
When we inquired why they chose such a difficult job, one worker simply said, “It’s our destiny.”
Our conversation with the kiln head also highlighted the gender disparity. Despite the immense physical labor, women were paid less because they were perceived to be less capable than men. Regarding child labor, the head defensively claimed that children worked voluntarily, but we knew the reality was far more complex.As we wrapped up our impromptu survey, we couldn’t ignore the environmental damage and the health problems the kiln caused. The air was thick with pollutants, and the workers' health was visibly deteriorating.
as the time passes we thought to go back to home!!as sun was about to set !
Upon returning home, we eagerly shared our experiences with our parents. However, instead of the understanding and support we had hoped for, we were met with severe reprimands for venturing into such a dangerous place without permission. They were worried sick about the risks we had taken.
Despite the scolding, the day's events left an indelible mark on us. We had witnessed firsthand the harsh realities faced by the brick kiln workers—their exploitation, health issues, and lack of social support. It became clear that raising awareness and advocating for their rights was not just important but necessary.....Shan felt like he missed such a wonderful experience after listening our story and by watching photos,and he said "now i will never miss any chance to explore with you all"
Back at college, I shared our adventure with my professors, Shahwaiz Sir and Zeeshan Sir. They listened intently as I recounted the conditions at the kiln and the stories of the workers. To my surprise and delight, they appreciated our initiative and were proud of our efforts to bring attention to such an important issue. They encouraged me to compile our findings into a detailed report, emphasizing the significance of shedding light on the plight of these workers.
Our day at the brick kiln had opened our eyes to a world we had been oblivious to. It taught us the importance of empathy, awareness, and the need to stand up against injustice. And while our journey had been fraught with danger, it was also filled with invaluable lessons that we carried forward, determined to make a difference.
© soumya.tiwari
