Migrant workers are the backbone of many industries, leaving their homes to work in factories and construction for better opportunities. Despite harsh conditions and minimal wages, they strive for a better future.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”- Mahatma Gandhi
“Hello, readers! Today, we will talk to three individual migrant workers and learn about their work and life. They do not represent all migrant workers, as everyone has their own unique life and story. Here, we will hear their personal thoughts and answers on various topics. So, let’s move forward.”
Most of my posts are in English, and there’s a reason for this. When I started, the people I spoke to and those around me spoke various languages, often in their local dialects. Therefore, I kept all my posts in English to reach a broader audience. I usually translate most parts of my posts into English, while many conversations happen in local languages (with the help of local friends) or Hindi.
I also convert posts into the local languages and send individual so, they can understand and have copy.
I thought it was important to share this small piece of information with you.
So, let’s get started…..
Name: Rocky mal
Age: 24 years
Name: Sumal mal
Age: 23 years
Name: Gourdip
Age: 22 years
He didn’t want his picture to be post.
Q1. How do you typically spend a regular day off?
Suman: I only get Sundays off, and since my work hours are long, I usually spend most of my day off sleeping. Then, I do regular chores like washing clothes and cooking. Without much of a social life, I just eat and rest. In the evening, I cook dinner, watch a bit of a movie, and go to bed. That’s pretty much it.
Rocky: There’s nothing special. I manage to talk to my family a bit more and give my body a little extra rest. It’s nothing out of the ordinary.
Gourdip: My Sundays are pretty much like that too. If I lived closer to home, I might have been able to spend a bit more time with my family.
Q2. Do you earn enough to support your family if you were to go home?
They all agree that a lot of money goes into food expenses, leaving them with not enough savings to fully support their households, but they manage to meet their basic needs.
Q3. Should you be aware of your work as a proud and impactful job in society?
Suman: I feel proud when I complete tasks that others can’t do, and my work can make a difference. It feels good when a task is completed with my contribution.
Rocky: The size of the job doesn’t matter to me; I always try my best to improve whatever tasks I’m given. I take pride in my work, though I’m not sure what impact it has on society and others. Still, I work hard in my organization and find satisfaction in my efforts
Gourdip: I feel proud, but sometimes I feel disheartened when the pay is low. That can be a bit discouraging.
Q4. People believe that lack of education leads to people taking up manual labor jobs outside, but what’s the real reason behind this?
Suman: My father was the sole earner in our home, and with three siblings, managing expenses was tough. That’s why I completed my schooling up to the 12th grade without tuition or extra expenses. Then I realized it was more important to contribute to the household expenses, so I dropped out and started working.
Rocky: My mother used to work in the fields, and when I was about 15-16 years old, I felt I should help so I could support our household and assist my mother. I had already grown quite big, so I dropped out of school and started working in Punjab. I supported my younger sister education. So, it all depends on our circumstances not education.
Gourdip: I didn’t study because when I was 12 years old, there were many problems: my father passed away, and my elder brother also died. My mother practically said that if I studied, we wouldn’t be able to manage at home expenses, so I quit studying and started working
Q5. Do you have any hobbies or activities that you enjoy in your spare time?
Suman: I like playing online games like PUBG, so most of the time, that’s what I play.
Rocky: I really enjoy listening to songs and singing, so most of the time, that’s what I do.
Gourdip: f there’s a cricket match on, I watch that, and sometimes I watch movies.
Q6. What’s more important to you: money or respect?
Suman: Money is very important; people start respecting you when you have money
Rocky: Both are important, and I agree that having money makes people start showing respect, and money is needed to buy things.
Gourdip: Respect is important, but money is also necessary. Still, my answer would be respect.
Q7. Do you or your organization prioritize safety during work?
They all agree that they do some self-care, but since work is like that, taking care of oneself is the most important thing.
Q8. How do you perceive yourself within society?
Suman: I have very little social life; I only stay in touch with my coworkers, so I can’t properly answer that.
Rocky: People around me love me a lot, and I’ve never seen anyone behave badly towards me, so everything is fine on my side.
Gourdip: Being alone is mostly what happens. When I go back to my village, I meet my friends. There isn’t much social life between me and society.
Q9. What does your dream life look like? When you imagine your ideal life, what thoughts come to mind?
They all emphasize doing their own work, no matter how small, so they can go home at the end of the day and spend time with their family.
———–Thank You———
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