Photo Feature : "Brickfields of Bengal"

Photo Feature
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Brickfields of Bengal

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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:

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* 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.