Friends,
Joydeep Mukherjee of Kolkata (India) is a multi talented human being. He was interested in arts, sports, trekking, traveling etc. from his early days. He stepped into the world of photography in 2002 during his trek to the Annapurna Base Camp - Nepal. His artistic photographs have earned name and fame for him in India and abroad. He is before you with a Photo Feature on the Brickfields of 24 Pargana District of South Bengal.
--Dr. Pankaj Sharma
Located close to the meandering rivers in Bengal, where clay soil is found in abundance, we find groups of people working in brick fields. Theirs’ is a simple organizational structure:
...
* A Contractor for Raw material
* A Contractor for labor
* Brick workers
* A Buyer of finished product
Since the manpower for these fields come from afar, and settle down for the duration of 6 months (till before the monsoons start), there is relocation of the entire family from the native place to the work place. The bulk of the labor category consists of women, who are involved in the brick-making process from the inception to the completion. Also, the children of the family perceive brick-making not only as a part of life, but also a source of livelihood. They take pride in their ability to contribute to their family income.
To give an idea, generally, a finished single brick is sold in the market for five rupees per piece. The labor charge comprises a very low percentage of this total price. Though the meager income that a person receives per brick is not sufficient to sustain the family, he/she does this job whole heartedly.
This feature and the photographs are based on the brickfields of 24 Pargana District of South Bengal.
(Equipments used: Cameras: Nikon D-90 and D-70 S; Lenses: Nikon 18-105 mm and 12-24 mm.)
-- Joydeep Mukherjee, Kolkata.
Great images...!
ReplyDeletechandan d.n.gaonkar(goa)
Wonderful feature on BRICKFIELD. Pictures narranting story itself. Lovely work Joydeep!
ReplyDeleteRgds!
Ankur Thatai
A T Images
Dear Chandan and Ankur,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I appreciate your promptness in giving reply.
--Pankaj.
This is how the poors break their backbone to provide the rich their "Dream Makaan" (read Palace). A bitter truth behind a "Sweet Home". Good documentation of the life in a brick furnace.
ReplyDeleteanup (bareilly)
You are right Anup ji. Thanks for your comments.
ReplyDelete--Pankaj.
Dear Doctor:
ReplyDeleteThe history and art of Brick making photographically recorded.
Regards,
KgM.
(K.G.Maheshwari)-Mumbai
Photographs reflect the real story of the chronological steps of the preparation of the bricks and the working life style of the workers related to this unique project. Really wonderful photographs and an unique mastery of composition in every photographs.
ReplyDeleteThis photo feature tells the story of the workers in brick fields very truly. The children engaged in tough work touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteSumitra Sinha, Bihar
Respected Sri K.G.Maheshwari ji, Dear Indraneel and Sumitra,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind words.
--Pankaj.
After going thru this photo feature I realize the hardness of the life of labourers.
ReplyDelete---Nishant, Delhi.
Nice work and story of brick field very nice. I also known Mr. Joydeep as a P A B 'ns. He many times participate at our salons. My best wishes.
ReplyDeleteDear Nishant and Dr. Shankar,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your views.
pankaj ji,
ReplyDeletethanks for introducing joy.
these r really beautiful pictures - entry into the unknown world of such a known subject.
pay my sincere regards to joy.
yogeshwar dutt
INEXPLICABLLY DESIGNED UPROOTED GLIMSES FOUND HUGE APPLAUSE INTRICABLY TO YOUR ASSIGNMENT
ReplyDelete