Motornama: Workshop - 01
Director: Shaina Anand, Ashok Sukumaran
Duration: 01:00:56; Aspect Ratio: 1.778:1; Hue: 20.452; Saturation: 0.086; Lightness: 0.417; Volume: 0.287; Cuts per Minute: 8.452; Words per Minute: 165.093
Summary: A ride through the industrial district around Roshanara Road, New Delhi. We come across various sites and histories of the "industrial age" in the city, and its related narratives of automation, pollution, labour and closure. The tour is on cycle rickshaws, with rickshaw
wallahs as narrators and guides.
Sites visited include houses in the shadow of the new metro, a hundred year-old ice factory, a car-cover karkhana, a derelict cinema, motor repair and re-boring shops, a printing press transported from Lahore, a famous clock tower, amongst others.
Roshanara Motornama tour guides:
Rajesh, Raju, Lalji, Ajay kumar, Dinesh, Saddam, Ranjit, Rakesh, Tirloki, Durga Prasad, Nankhe, Panna Lal, Ramesh, Ram Bahadur. Vijay Kumar Misra. Akhilesh, Ram Surat, Ram Sajiwan, Ram Sajan, Raj Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Anil Kumar, Dharam Raj, Nihroo.
Roshanara Motornama was part of '48 degrees C' held in New Delhi, December 12-21, 2008. Curated by Pooja Sood. Organised by the Goethe Institut, Delhi.
A project by Shaina Anand (
http://www.chitrakarkhana.net/) and Ashok Sukumaran (
http://0ut.in).
See also
Motornama Roshanara
VK: I also went to Gonda district, then brother, I was taken in a running contest, and I came second in running and I still have the certificate. What happened that I had fallen, so they said, "Let's go to a doctor." In the doctor's clinic, I got this mark and my eye got torn from here.
Lady interviewer: What was that? What name did you say?
Man in striped shirt: Angiofibroma is the name of this disease. I thought the blood had all come out and I was in the village area, and at that time, we did not have a car at our home, only cycle was there brother. Then, when they started taking me from here, the blood was on from here. So, when the blood used to come out from here, then by way of my throat, it used to get into my system. I used to be consuming it.
New Delhi
VK: And what happened is that when I was taken in the jeep/ van in lying position, then they put me on glucose (saline), that cotton was there, and they filled cotton in it. They said that the operation had been done. Neither did they make a cut nor anything else, Rs.8000-10,000 was uselessly wasted there. When the blood started coming out again, then it was not paining only brother, once it would start bleeding, it would not stop. Then, I went to this Jawant Rao Dutta College, and GK Shukla was the professor there. He only treated me. Then, when I got fine there, my father was in debt and the thing is my family is very big. We are 3 brothers. My big brother, he has 5 sons, and no daughter. I have 2 sons and 1 daughter. Now, everyone's expenses were not getting settled.
VK: There, the big grandfather was also together but he was a BP patient and so he expired. So, when he expired, their burden also came on father's shoulders. There also, the house had been made very big. So, dad said that do one thing, whatever shares and other stuff that they had bought, they had a lot of wealth. He had a daughter. So, father said that grandfather is not there, so she is my daughter. Then the land and everything, house and all, was registered in her name. Then we were all left, my mother said too that there was a lot of money there and you should have taken some. He said, "No, if I would have taken, then all our boys would have got spoilt. You boys do one thing. All of you go away to earn a living."
VK: Then, everybody came here to earn a living here in Premnagar, where industries are there. I worked in Jeevan Factory in Premnagar. Out there, my brother used to supervise and I used to operate the dye machine. Now, it went on, went on and few days also passed. My brother used to draw a good salary. And when I would get to do overtime, I also would earn good. Then, I kept on working there, and the promotion time came and I would become the head mechanic. So, my brother said that I would get you transferred in this owner's other factory. His one factory used to operate in Dounagar and one in Wazirpur. Then, I thought it's okay. When I came to Wazirpur, the machine out here was of a different type. I knew how to read and write but one word has 10 more similar words in meaning. And I would not understand the working of the machine.
VK: So, what happened that when the dye started working, in the dye, 1 bag that had atleast 500 pieces, the sole that is there, 500 pieces, now I only was the head mechanic there. I did not notice, the temperature was high, and how much ever was there, that sole material turned into a lump, and it became useless. Now, I became scared and I thought I should get lost from here. SO, when I was on duty only, I ran away from there quietly. My Rs.5500 is still there in Jeevan Factory.
VK: When I did not go there, then the owner sent a letter home saying come back. Whatever had to happen here has happened. We will cancel it in the calendar and make it good again but you come back again. Because of fear, I did not go back. I thought if I go back, they will probably catch hold of me and I would lose instead of gaining. Now, from there I came here. Now, I thought what I should do. When I came here, a lot of our men were here, what you call, in Chandni Chowk.
Rikshaw-puller in red shirt: Ma'am, I am showing you this ice-factory. Why I am showing you this ice-factory, I'll tell you. It is very old. Ma'am just see how out here, water is being changed in different forms and being sold. In our country, water is surely sold, out here how they are changing water into a different form and selling. if water is not there, then man will get anxious, he won't be able to live without water. With water, man can stay alive even though he does not get to eat. In other words, with water, he'll stay alive.
(inaudible)(?)
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: For you, this rickshaw-puller can leave you to your places. But if you would have come few days back, then you would have to use horse carriage. But in today's age, I am only the horse carriage, this one rickshaw-puller, who can make you reach
roads. Okay then, let's go now.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: You will have snacks worth Rs.20? You will have snacks of Rs. 20 in some Bihari's hotel and think that your stomach will get filled. Won't you have snacks so that you get the taste? Who can have snacks of Rs.20 every day. Whoever has the guts to do that, tell me. Do not do such a thing brother. Do only that work that feels good.
(?)
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: Brother, I myself am shy, you are like a big brother, this water is like Ganges, and my soul is pure. I can ask for water and drink from others but I do not have food that way. Why I do not eat is because my greed will increase. Brother, today you will make me have a cigarette, tomorrow, I get hurt in my leg and I cannot go to work. In a limit, I should do everything, I drink but only at one time in a limit only so that I can live properly.
Man in jacket: Drink this right now, because you have to talk a lot now.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: Oh lord! brothers, I tell you do only that work only that you do not fall from grace in front of somebody else. If you eat as a favour from somebody else, then you will fall from grace, and if you do not, then we will be bold. We will have a bold, loud voice. We do not eat out of ill-gotten money, but we live by earning honestly. A person, who earns honestly, will always talk in a loud voice, be it a SP or DSP.
(?)
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: You will get snacks in Delhi, tea in Mumbai, and this in Calcutta, they got us here and made us stand in the war. They had not come in the war, they wanted a crowd, by assembling Pakistanis to scare Hindustanis, they got a crowd. They would not be able to fight, just by seeing the crowd, the Hindustanis might get scared. But Hindustan is such a country that has numerous tigers like me, who can fight alone. Like our Sunny Deol, ...You remember, in Border. So, brother, many are ready to become Sunny Deol here, if given an opportunity, so many Sunny Deols will come out. His photo is coming, he has already become Sunny Deol, out photo is not coming out, I am also a hero, idiot, you are also a hero. Even if your photo is taken and your film is made, in 10 days, your name will also come. What is your name?
Second Rickshaw-puller: Rakesh.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: Rakesh, Rakesh is a big hero, he gives such kicks and such punches. He was not a hero earlier, buddy. Brother, when his film was made, brother, he also became a hero. Earlier, his film had not been made, so he was not to be seen earlier. Brother, now he is printed on the poster, then brother, Lalji, Lalji, Lalji.
Till yesterday, Lalji was not on any record, and so nobody recognised Lalji as well. Everyone has a voice, the difference is that friend, put pressure on yourself, make yourself better, make your mind better. Do a work that is right. I believe that brother, do not go towards ill-gotten things, my overall meaning is only this. If you eat of ill-gotten wealth brother, you will fall sick. This is the true thing. Brother, earn only that much from ill-gotten ways, that you fall little sick only. If you earn too much from bad ways, then you will fall more sick. Then, you will get to know that injection is being put. So, don't do such work, brother. Brother, make with your own hands, get curd of Rs.10, and flour of Rs.7, and in Rs. 17, eat and become happy. Say that you have got energy in your body.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: And if you have meat/fish, and other made-up things like how he said that in Rs. 20, he gives Chhole Bhature. What is there in it, taste? Nothing is there in it friends. It's just cheating with taste. He gives taste and loots Rs. 20 from the public. It's not stuff worth Rs. 20. Taste? This taste is set in the minds and this public in Rs.20; brother give 1 plate, put 4 plates, we have got guests, brother, put 10 plates, our guests have come. Brother, he is profusely looting and nobody can see that. It is said that even though there are worms in the curd, men eat it because they cannot see it. Our eyes can't see it, but I know, brother, that there are worms in the curd. Okay, which fruit is it that does not get affected by worms, brother? Now, you guys tell me that.
Banana.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: You said it right, very nice.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: She will get offended, bloody he is a dirty man. Let us sit in our way. We will not keep our legs down also.
Another rickshaw puller: Atleast put your legs down.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: We will see like this, we will keep seeing. Without blinking, we will watch over the enemy, but no enemy is coming here. In fact, my friend is coming here. So, without a blink, i will watch over my friends. Come Sir, come guests, come Madam, where do you want to go? Come, from the whole world, I will show and tell the secrets here, the secret treasure. See, this is our Metro, the pride of Delhi. You must have come by this only. I have heard only, I have never seen or sat in this. When I see this, I have heard that in 2 minutes, it can make you reach from here to there. Is this true? Does it make you reach in 2 minutes only? Yes, it does make you reach. Okay, let it be Madam. Come, Sit, this(signalling to rickshaw) is our pride of Delhi. Let's go Madam, I will show you something ahead, and I will sing the song number 1.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: If you shut it, then it will shut down. Brother, awaken the knowledge in you. Isn't it right? Did I smoke a cigarette just now? You guys did not see. Somebody saw, but they did not say anything. Why didn't they say? Because they know that if he eats, then he will earn. When he earns, then he will have a lot of fun because 'Do it'. Then, whatever is there, it is my right.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: You did not do anything, and before that only, you are asking saying that I am hungry. Fun and frolic is going on, none of you guys are at your own rickshaw-stations. How many times I ordered that stay at your own rickshaw but did you guys hear? Who did not hear, raise hands. Who did not hear, raise hands. Who did not hear that stay at your own rickshaw, 2 men do not stay at 1 rickshaw. If 2 men are there, they feel good. But if another person comes, he thinks what meeting is going on, something is there. She won't come near you. You know those who are good people, you take everything casually; but some good people who come, think that he is doing some heart to heart talk, let him do that. We will look for another rickshaw. And you silly guys, you'll are talking nonsense, but the other person is thinking that some heart to heart talk is going on. So, do not do any such work, brother. I am the youngest of all, do everything, eat and drink everything but be clever (wise).
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: Again, I have to repeat myself that without blinking, watch over the enemy which means the friends. Buddy, do all things but do not blink and do not look elsewhere, your guests are coming brother. We will not get more from anyone, I have been talking from so long. My battery is not getting finished, but I am charging it more, and not finishing it. So, that is why brother, charge yourself and be aware. All of you brothers, be happy in your work. Get addicted to your work. You said that call for a joint. What will happen after smoking a joint? Intoxication. So, put this kind of addiction in your mind that my guests are coming.
Rickshaw-puller in red shirt: Are you getting Rs.500 in a day? Can you earn Rs.500 in a day? You start sweating profusely while earning Rs.150-Rs.200-Rs.250. and you are getting Rs.500. Don't feel bad, I am also getting Rs.500. Everyone is getting in it. So, brother do the kind of work that the public is happy. And people are also happy. Like how I am saying right now that we also have a guest, a guy, who will take care. So, everybody become like this so that they don't have to say Lalji is here, Lalji will look after everyone. Who is effing Lalji? Brothers, you all are brave people. So, everybody become a Lalji and stay. I do not want to be the lone Lalji. Everyone say this. Everyone take care of their work. Why is our Shainaji, our Sahab, and our Sirs wasting their time juggling the camera around us and teaching us like kids? See that, know that and analyse that. Everyone get to their own rickshaws.
Man in beige: Because of Pollution Act, the (?) left the city or some other reason, probably traffic reason. GT road is very crowded (?). So, it used to get blocked. Now, some of them vanished.
Another man in T-shirt: What and how did you feel?
Girl in blue: Found it very good.
Boy in brown T-shirt: Very good.
Girl in blue: We cannot probably go to this kind of a place all alone. And this was very good, a proper organization did this. These places, we can never go all alone, not at all.
Boy in brown T-shirt: Extremely good.
Man in beige: Did you see (?)
Boy in brown T-shirt: Inside factories, mills, very good.
Girl in blue: From outside, we had seen it, but from inside, we had never seen. We went till the top, by climbing stairs, and everything was getting made. It was awesome.
Man in beige: You saw any big (?)
Girl in blue: Yeah. Excellent, excellent.
Boy in brown T-shirt: Very good.
Girl in blue: (?)
Boy in brown T-shirt: Thank you.
Man in beige: The summers are increasing and the winters are decreasing.
Man with specs: The glaciers are melting.
Man in beige: The glaciers are melting. See the climate (?). This is happening in the whole of Delhi, in Germany, Italy France and full India. In India, there is Motornama. Out here, you must have seen big industries of bottle, the biggest industry meaning the biggest hub of Asia, where from far off, workers used to come and work full nights. Now, this industry is not anymore, isn't it? Metro came into being and so many houses were broken down. What happened? Now, the motors that are jammed, and the old factories from the British time, which are closed. Our tourists who are coming, we are showing this industry was there, that industry was there, now they are closed due to some reasons; pollution or whatever reason it may be. So when the Government closed these industries, these inhabited cities, they expelled a place from the industry and the business (?). So, will you all also stop driving cars or bikes?
Man with specs: It will not be possible.
Man in beige: Can you reduce it?
Man with specs: Yes, we can reduce it.
Man in beige: Can you reduce the use of A/C? That will be ideal. (?)
You will sit in these rickshaws, they will take you to the nearby areas. It's a free tour. You sit and they will take you and inform you about everything. In the middle, there are some related songs that will tell you where what is going on.
(?)
Man in beige: Pulbangash is there, CP, Barakhamba road.
SA: Something was touching your back, what was it? He got up thrice to hold his feet.
Man's voice: Something was pricking you or what?
Man in light blue: Chappals were kept here.
SA: Oh! Chappals were kept.
Man's voice: We all are here. Everybody was told. Tell, what did you feel? Before this, those mixed voices that you heard.
Man in striped T-shirt: I can say something. But on closing my eyes and concentrating hard, sounds of a lot of things hit my ear. In that, there were many beautiful things also, they were good, and lots of things, I felt the other way around. But I don't know how many things I really liked, and now, I can't hear those things. If I try, then I might get something.
Man's voice: Louder. Shambuji, tell everybody. (?)
Man in orange shirt: Some sound was coming
Man's voice: Say some new thing.
Man with scarf: I used to work, and study there. I left studies.
SA: In which class?
Man with scarf: A money problem had cropped up, money was less. After that, I came to Delhi. It's been 2 years in Delhi. Earlier, I used to do a job but that was not enough for me. The salary was less, after eating food, less money got saved. Now, I am driving a rickshaw. I drive the rickshaw and earn also, eat also. Good work is going on, everything right is happening.
SA: From how many years are you here?
Man with scarf: Two years
SA: From 2 years. And is there farming happening at home?
Man with scarf: Yes, there is farming at home, cows, buffaloes, milk is also there, everything.
SA: Everything, so you go to village? You like it here.
Man with scarf: I have come here, again I will go there, again I will come here. This is my work.
SA: Okay, should I ask 1 question? How did you all come here from Gonda? There must be some connection. In the whole of Delhi, not everyone has come from Gonda. So, in this area, all of you are almost from there only. So, how did this happen?
Man with scarf: It is because of problems, some person has less problems, and somebody has more. Some person has Rs.1000-2000 more, some person has Rs.1000-2000 less. So everyone has come to increase the prosperity.
SA: When you came to Delhi, how did you decide that I will stay in Bij market, Indra market, vegatable market area?
Man with scarf: In the way that he came here, I saw him and came here, and seeing me, he also came. This way, people are increasing, they are decreasing also, increasing also.
SA: Very good. You say.
Man with moustache: I came to Delhi to drive rickshaw, and from then on, I started driving rickshaw, earned money, ate food. If something was left, I sent it to the village. In the village, I do wheat farming, keep buffaloes, milk them. I grow sugarcane. I come here. (?) Then I will go back to the village and again I will come here. And no other work is there.
Girl's voice: So, you are here from how many years?
Man with moustache: I stay here from 2 years.
Girl's voice: You came from the village 2 years back and direct rickshaw.
Man with moustache: Yes, I did not do any other work, did not do any job.
Girl's voice: Had you thought, and decided from beforehand that you will drive a rickshaw?
Man with moustache: Yes, I wanted to drive a rickshaw only and drove a rickshaw only.
Man's voice: So, did you know from beforehand, how to drive a rickshaw?
Man with moustache: Yes, I had driven cycle in the village, and I came here to drive a rickshaw.
Man's voice: So, did you learn or straightaway got a rickshaw?
Man with moustache: Yes, direct. When I used to ride a cycle in the village, then I would be able to drive a rickshaw.
Man's voice: There is little difference between a cycle and rickshaw.
Man with moustache: No, there is no difference.
Another man's voice: Sometimes, you must be having accidents.
Man with moustache: I had accident 1-2 times.
Man's voice: Has it ever happened that you (?)
Man with moustache: I did get hurt once or twice, but I came from my area to drive here.
SA: Weren't you surprised seeing Delhi's traffic?
Man with moustache: I did not get surprised. I drove everywhere. There was no bother. Even if it's crowded somewhere, I would go there since now I knew how to.
SA: How much time did you take in learning the roads?
Man with moustache: Oh! it takes a lot of time, a week or even a month, If one hasn't learnt then gradually, he learns.
Girl's voice: You mostly drive in this area or you go far off also?
Man with moustache: I go far also, I drive only in this area also, for whichever place I get a passenger, I will go there.
Man's voice: What if there is a 'no entry'?
Man with moustache: If there is a no entry, And I get caught, then the owner will rescue me. Or I will leave the rickshaw and come. If he takes rent, then what is his responsibility. He takes a rent of Rs.40-50, then he should show some responsibility in times of 'no entry'.
Man's voice: When your rickshaw gets caught in 'no entry', your owner will spend Rs.300, won't he recover it from you?
Man with moustache: No, he will recover.
Man's voice: Then?
Man with moustache: So what he recovers, but when 'no entry' is imposed, we have not earned so much so what will we eat at that time, and what rent will we give?
SA: So, you all give per day or per week or per month?
Man with moustache: We give rent every week.
SA: Every week.
Man's voice: So, you have to go every time on duty?
Man with moustache: Definitely, I have to go. See, if I get passengers, I will surely go, then again from there, I get a passenger, I will make the passenger sit and come back again. If I do not get any passenger, then (?)
Man in yellow T-shirt (Non-diagetic man's voice): So when police catches you, do they agree with you?
Man with moustache: Oh! they don't agree, they shoo us away, start beating us with sticks and they say that run away from here now. They get an opportunity and shoo us away.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Has it ever happened that the police have released you, after taking money?
Man with moustache: They do not take money.
Man in yellow T-shirt: They do not take?
Man with moustache: No.
Man in pink shirt: The committee guys take money.
Man with moustache: The committee guys take, not the traffic guys, they shoo us away to ease the jams. They say that you will die, or go from the side.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Okay, the traffic police? They take money from you?
Man with moustache: They don't take money.
Man in yellow T-shirt: So, the traffic police take money?
Man with moustache: No, they don't take money, they say don't drive in joining 4 roads.
Man in yellow T-shirt: No, when sometime you get caught in 'no entry', then the Rs.300?
Man with moustache: That the committee guys.
Girl's voice: The MCD guys.
Man in yellow T-shirt: The MCD, MCD.
Girl's voice: Okay, on Roshanara road, on the left side, there is an MCD garage, do you know that? When we come here, before the flour mill, it is written MCD and when I looked inside, then 4-5 trucks of MCD are kept there.
Man in pink shirt: Those trucks are the garbage vehicles.
Girl's voice: Okay, the garbage vehicles, alright.
Girl's voice: Okay, now you say.
Man in light brown shirt (Anil): I!
Girl's voice: I do not know your name.
Anil: Anil.
Girl's voice: Anil.
Anil: I was staying at home.
Man 's voice: Speak louder, louder.
Anil: I was studying, I passed the 10th standard. After that, my uncle was coming to Delhi. I told uncle to take me along to Delhi. Then, my uncle said that study now, so as to get a job. I was running around for a job at the minister's. So, in Faridabad..
Girl's voice: So, you passed the 10th standard?
Man in yellow T-shirt: From where did you pass out the 10th standard?
Anil: From Rudauli.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Where is Rudauli?
Anil: That is in Faridabad.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Rudauli is close to Faridabad?
Anil: Yes, so when I was studying, the family members discussed about the fees and said that so much fees is not there, how do we manage to make ends meet?
Man in yellow T-shirt: Why? In UP, the fees is very cheap, for 10th standard, no fees is only charged.
Girl's voice: After 10th.
Man in yellow T-shirt: If we talk about tuitions, then..
Anil: In private, I was studying in private.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Okay, you were studying in private. Which subject? In Science?
Anil: Yes, in science.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Okay, in science in class 10 also.
Anil: After that, I went to Faridabad, training was happening there. I went there. They said there that you have to spend around Rs.1 lakh, so yours will be done in this bribe. So, I came home and told my father that give me some money. So, he said that I do not have so much money, alright? After that, I said that it's okay when it's not there. I told my uncle then that take me to Delhi. And when I come back from Delhi, I will fill the form and then study. Then uncle said that if you won't listen, then come to Delhi. So, I came to Delhi along with him. Then, again I went there and I filled the form, and I was studying because of the form.
Man in yellow T-shirt: S, what does your uncle do in Delhi?
Anil: He drives a rickshaw.
Man in yellow T-shirt: So, you also started working along with uncle?
Anil: Yes, I came along with uncle, and he got me a job in Sadar where I would get Rs.2000.
Man in yellow T-shirt: What did you there?
Anil: It was a toy business there. I used to sell toys there and get Rs.2000. So, I told uncle that in Rs.2000, what will I eat and what will I save? He told me, go back home then. I thought then why should I go back home, let me also start driving a rickshaw. He said then drive comfortably and earn comfortably. So I also started driving rickshaw.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Where?
Anil: Here; from the ice factory.
SA: Meaning the goods rickshaw.
Anil: No, the passenger rickshaw.
SA: Passenger.
Anil: He used to drive a goods rickshaw, I told him that make me also a goods rickshaw driver. he said that now you are new and you do not know all the lanes and roads.
SA: He used to go far off.
Anil: If some people take away the goods, how will you return it? if the entire responsibility is mine, then I said it's okay uncle, you are old and I am new. I thought it's okay. He said alright, you start driving the passenger rickshaw, when you have exams, then you go home. So, I stay for a month,2-3 months, and then I go back home. At home, I do farming, and after that, I study also, and work also.
SA: How many years has it been for you?
Anil: It's been 2 years for me.
SA: So, you did not go back to fill the form?
Anil: No, I went there. I go, I stay here for a mere 3 months, 1-2 months.
SA: But did you leave studies then or you filled up the form again?
Anil: I filled the form, about money I told at home. My brother was elder, he said that they don't study there, they roam around, go to hotels, watch films. After that, a fight started between me and my elder brother. Whatever it is, why should I lie? The fight happened and the brother said that stop studies. You have studied and passed, now we cannot bear your expenses.I said it's okay if you cannot bear expenses, we are 5 brothers. I said it's okay, I told the middle brother to study, if I could not study, you study atleast. He was also in 10th. So, he is studying now.
SA: Okay, he is studying.
Anil: The middle brother and the younger brother, both are studying. Even though I was wasted, atleast you guys become something. It was not in my destiny. (?) There was a 2-km railing. There is a 2-km range and after running and running, my feet were wet and even socks. I had 1 relative in the army. I told him that you are my relative, so push my file ahead. He said okay, I will leave my boy in the room and come back. When he came back, I said, brother, push my file ahead. He said I will just come back after eating food in the room. Then I said, bloody in difficult times, relatives also do not lend a ear, nobody cares. That is why we 4-5 boys, we went there together for a job. There, they caught hold of our collar, and said you have fucking come for a job, motherfucker, they talk like this. Then the military people gave us a punch and everybody out there says fucking motherfucker in Faridabad. Then I said, Sir, I have come for a job and as soon as I bowed, he said you fucking motherfucker, get on the side. And those, who were standing upright, stand on the other side.
(?)
Anil: Yes, they beat forcefully. They don't beat lightly.
(?)
Anil: Then, we said remove this, this is lot of hard work. After that, when they told us to run also, it was a 2-km area. I ran 1-1.5 km. I could not run the entire 2 kms. They said stand on the side, and all of us stood on the side in a line. That is why we could get ahead.
SA: Even when you enter the military, this is only what happens?
Anil: This is what happens.
SA: Whoever is senior to you, they behave like that with a new soldier.
Anil: After that, there was 1 more boy
SA: He ran and came.
Anil: After that, there was 1 more boy, who was asked a question by an officer, if your mother is getting raped, what will you do? He said, "you fucking tell me motherfucker, if your mother is getting raped, what will you do?" The officer slapped him hard and said, "Go son, you got the job." Go now. There was a full crowd of 1000 people and he said, "Go son, you got the job."
A man's voice: He had come from outside.
Anil: Yes, he said that you got the job.
Man in yellow T-shirt: The job was given to him.
Anil: He said clearly, if you mother is getting raped in front of you, then he gave a hard slap. He slapped the officer, he said whether I get the job or not, I don't care. But why did he say like that. After that, the officer said that you have got the job.
Today also, when I meet that boy, he is on duty in Dhaula Kuan, Mishra, he is Santosh Mishra, we know, we spoke to him also, I had his number. He says that your destiny was wretched, otherwise I would have got you posted.
Man in yellow T-shirt: This is not about destiny. Every man has some capacity. Every man cannot do every work.
Anil: No.
SA: But do you like to drive the rickshaw?
Anil: Yes, when I drive the rickshaw, I like it. What to do, under compulsion, I have to drive, what to do further.
SA: You did not look for another work?
Anil: No, I did not find another work. Now, I am thinking of doing some other work at home, by opening some shop, being at home and earning comfortably. Not in Delhi.
SA: In the village?
Anil: Yes, in the village.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Why don't you want to work in Delhi?
Anil: Yes?
Man in yellow T-shirt: Why don't you want to work in Delhi?
Anil: Whatever work I do in Delhi, any job, Rs.1000-2000 will get saved. At home, if I open a shop of buttermilk, water or milk only, I will save Rs.100-200 per day. Like at this time, I get you to milk the cow for me at Rs.18 per litre, I shall sell it at Rs.40-45 per litre in Faridabad.
Man in yellow T-shirt: You will sell at Rs.40-45 per litre?
Anil: Yes, milk is sold at Rs.40-45 a litre.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Rs.40-45 a litre? It is cheap in Delhi.
Anil: It is Rs.45. And if you do not believe, I can call up right now and tell you
Anil: In our village, there is a Dada Dairy owner, his name is Dada.
Man in yellow T-shirt: If milk starts coming from China after 1 year, then what will you do?
Anil: No, not from China.
Female voice: Milk won't come from China.
Anil: (?) I am not joking. First, he took 10 litres of milk, (?) then he mixed 10 litres of water in it. Listen to me. He mixed 10 litres of water and sold it at Rs.25-30 per litre. So, for us, it comes to Rs.40-45 per litre. In the dairy, milk is sold at around Rs.50 per litre, half water, half milk.
Female voice: You say. Okay, when everyone was lying down, I heard 2 trains passing, the signal came twice and nobody said about it, you said about the sound of ball and batting, sound of birds. twice, the trains passed, and the sound of signal came.
Man's voice: I had told sahab.
Female Voice: You had heard it, right? Yes.
Man in yellow T-shirt: brother Sajjan had said.
Female voice: Yes, brother Sajjan had said.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Brother Sajjan, you are coming in form.
(?)
SA: Where have you come from and where are you going?
Man in yellow T-shirt: Where have you come from and where are you going, inform us about it. Have you heard it, Kabir has said it. You have not heard it? I will make you hear just now. Where have you come from? When did you come to Delhi?
Sajjan: I have come from the village, district Jaunpur.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Speak louder.
Sajjan: I am a resident of district Jaunpur. When I used to go to study, I studied properly till some classes, after that I was not interested in studies at all. When I wasn't interested, I started to wander about. In the course of wandering, my exams started and I reached 2 days late. I missed 2 days' exams. When I missed 2 exams, then I said that even if I take the rest of the exams, it will not be considered.
Sajjan: So, at that moment, my brother used to reside in Bombay, and I decided to go with my brother. I told him that I would come along with you. Someone was going from the village, so I also went along with him. Out there, I stayed for 1 month with my brother. My brother did not put me to any work. In saying that I will put you to some work, I cannot find any work now, around a month passed. One day, I had a stand-off with my borher that I am sitting here just like that and you are not getting me employed anywhere, I get bored. He said that if you get bored, then go to the village again. My brother tells me to go back to the village. On this topic, I fought with him. When I had fought with him, then my brother forcefully contacted my uncle, who used to stay there, and uncle scolded me. He said, "Son, you go back home. There is no work fit for you. Then I was not fit for working probably, that is what I understand.
Man in yellow T-shirt: When did this happen?
Sajjan: This happened some 6-7-8 years back. 8-9 years have passed. In fact, more years must have passed.
Man in yellow T-shirt: At that time, you must be young?
Sajjan: Yes, then I was very young. Then, I came back and started living in the village. In the village, my father said that, "I will get you admitted, you start studying" I said that I won't study. So, I stayed in the village only for close to 2 years. When I was in the village, i used to go with my friend. I had a friend, who used to work here and there. I also used to go along with him for working. There, we would get Rs.50-60 in that work. I would work for 7-8 hours with him. We go to the contractor to take money. We take the money and are about to leave. The contractor says that I have little stuff there and my work is going to happen there. (?) My friend said that we will leave and go today. I said okay, we will leave. So, we left and went.
Sajjan: So, at that time, I forced my friend that let me also drive a rickshaw. He said that ,"No, you will not be able to drive, you will fall somewhere." I said no, I will drive, let me drive. When I became obstinate, he gave me and said come on. And just when I drive it for around 8-10 minutes, my right hand starts paining because it keeps running to one side. When I hold it tight, then here it starts paining after 10-15 minutes. So I loosen it. When I loosen it, I fall into a pit that is around 10-15 feet deep, with the rickshaw. At that place, I got saved. My feet touch the ground, I turn over and get on the side. And the rickshaw gets behind and turns over like this. It turns on my head, and I get on the side, and it bruises me and goes on the other side. My head gets saved. From that time onwards, as the accident occurred, I have been cautious, it runs, so if you keep in control, it will not go.
Sajjan: Somehow I came to Delhi from the village. I came to Delhi, and for 1-2 weeks, I was in search of a job. I got a job also, I worked there for 1-2 weeks. One uncle used to stay here, he also used to drive a rickshaw. So, he had a holiday on Sunday. Since, it was a holiday, I said that let's drive the rickshaw, let's go in the rickshaw somewhere. I should tell you that I have driven in the village. He said that in the village, many roads are empty in the jungles, you must have driven here and there. I said that I have driven a lot in the garden. So he said that here in the city, you might meet an accident, so do not drive. I said that I will drive. He then gives me to drive. Then I go and do work of around Rs.100 while driving the rickshaw. What happens is that I start liking the rickshaw. I go the owner and get to know that you get Rs.1800-2000. I see that I make Rs.100 comfortably, okay? So, in this way, I got into driving rickshaws and started driving rickshaws. From then onwards, I have been driving rickshaw only, you meet different types of friends. In this way, I drive the rickshaw and meet friends also.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Has your rickshaw been caught ever in no entry?
Sajjan: Yes, 3-5 times, it has been caught.
Man in yellow T-shirt: So, you had to give money for that?
Sajjan: Yes, I had to give money, but once I had given the money, and I did not know that money had to be given or not. Later on, somebody told me that you don't give the money yourself, but the owner himself gives it. I then went to the owner and told him. I had given Rs.400 and I took Rs.200 cash from the owner. After that, I was caught once more. Then, I gave Rs.100 and the rest, the owner gave. It has happened 3 times with me. Out here, wher are you staying? here, I am staying at Indra(?)
Man in yellow T-shirt: (?)
Sajjan: In the vegetable market. There was an old vegetable market here
Man in yellow T-shirt: In the vegetable market?
Sajjan: Yes.
Man in yellow T-shirt: How did you like the Delhi city?
Sajjan: In Delhi, it is all good. From the poorest to poor, and the richest to rich is also there, The way you see whom, it shows. He who stays how he wants to, everybody stays happy. He who is eating less, he is happy with less, he who is eating more is happy with more, that's it.
Man in yellow T-shirt: So, you know the entire neighborhood area?
Sajjan: Huh?
Man in yellow T-shirt: you know the entire neighborhood area?
Sajjan: No, not too much, but Kamalanagar, Malkaganj, Ghantaghar, Roshna Road, Pratapnagar, the Andha Mogul, Sheetal Dulari Bagh, Daya Basti, little bit known these places are. Like Patelnagar, Shadipur Depot.
Man in yellow T-shirt: You know the areas around Roshna Road
Sajjan: Yes, these are somewhere close to Roshna Road only, Kalam Roshnabad, here Ghantaghar, here Kamalanagar. In Roshna Road, places like Aryapur, Mata Mandir is there
Man in yellow T-shirt: Here, the Ice factory is there?
Sajjan: Where the Ice Factory is there.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Do you know how old is the Ice Factory?
Sajjan: How old is it? I do not know how old it is.
Girl's voice: 101 years.
Sajjan: It has been 101 years.
Girl's voice: It started in 1907.
Sajjan: Oh, I did not know, if nobody tells us, how will we know?
SA: Why were you named Bhola?
Sajjan: I am called Bhola because when I came here in the beginning, I started liking 2-4 people. When I started liking, then what happened that they were going for a religious purpose. When they were going for a religious purpose and I used to meet them, they used to encourage me that if I roam here, I will like it here.
SA: They were from Jaunpur or?
Sajjan: No, out here in delhi.
SA: In Delhi
Sajjan: I decided to go with them.
Man in yellow T-shirt: For a religious purpose.
Sajjan: With 4-5 of them, I also went.
Man in yellow T-shirt: This religious purpose is at the time of Shivratri
Sajjan: We go in the monsoon season.
SA: Alright.
Sajjan: From then on, I started going there. For that matter only, when I came back from there, 2-4 started calling me Bhole, Bhole. Hearing those 4 people, 2-4 more people started calling, hearing them, more started saying. Hearing them, he started saying Bhole, and you also said Bhole. In this way, everyone started calling me Bhole.
Man in yellow T-shirt: So, in the religious matter, God showered his blessings on you, and everyone started calling you Bhola.
Sajjan: Everyone believes me as well in this lane. You are fine, brother. Nothing is wrong in you. Nothing good, nothing bad, in your way, you are alright. The way you should stay, stay like that only. Today, I will snatch his and eat, tomorrow, I will snatch his and eat, it's not a good thing. Tomorrow, if everything together is snatched from me, then?
SA: It happens right, who was saying, it happens at night. Who was saying? Where did he go?
Unknown voice: Panditji was saying it.
Man in yellow T-shirt: No, no. Rajiv, Rajiv
SA: Suppose I am doing a tour with you. Then how much distance will it be?
Man in orange shirt: I wanted to stand on my own feet. I wanted to do something, I wanted to be known and wanted to move ahead.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Speak louder.
Man in orange shirt: It should be comfortable at home money-wise. It should be a peaceful life. That is why I ran from home and came here.
SA: You ran away from home and came here, to live a peaceful life?
Man in orange shirt: Yes, I ran from home and came, I came to Delhi. In Delhi, I took out the rickshaw and went. I directly started driving the rickshaw.
SA: You came here only, in this area?
Man in orange shirt: Earlier, I used to stay in (?).
SA: Where? I can't hear.
Man in orange shirt: In Ambalejahan, in the (?)
SA: Speak little louder.
Man in orange shirt: Out there, mom dad used to stay there only. Half my life, I stayed there, for 20 years. Then I liked Delhi, I thought I will go travel Delhi. Then, I came to Delhi.
SA: You came alone?
Man in orange shirt: Yes, I came alone.
SA: How many years old were you?
Man in orange shirt: Here, I came soon only, it's been 2-3 years.
SA: What was your age when you came here?
Man in orange shirt: Around 17-18 years.
SA: Okay, there is one thing. You are talking but I feel that you are talking to your neck. Throw your voice this side. Speak louder.
(?)
SA: You are talking well but your voice cannot be heard.
Man in yellow T-shirt: We said that throw your voice.
Man in orange shirt: I took out the rickshaw and started driving the rickshaw. After that, I started to make good money. I liked it here in Delhi as well. I started driving here and started liking it here. (?)
SA: One minute! Everybody is talking, right? It means your voice cannot be heard. Speak looking towards me only and not towards everyone. Silent. Come on, little more loudly.
Man in orange shirt: I never found any Penalty people, nor did I see them, how they are. I never used to go too far, out here only at Ghantaghar, Kamalanagar market, I used to roam about. I used to be scared to go very far, as I would meet the Palanti people and would have to pay Rs.400-500. And I was like from where will I give so much, that much I have not even earned. It takes 2-3 days to make Rs.500. They will take Rs.500 in 1 minute, and if you do not give them, then they would stop the rickshaw in a place, and would say, "Call your owner. What is the use of talking to you? You won't give the money only then what is the use of talking to you? Call your owner for money." I would call the owner, and by giving the money somehow, I would get myself released. I used to save gradually, the money had to be given.
SA: Gradually meaning you used to adjust it in the rent?
Man in orange shirt: Yes, I used to cut it from the rent. I used to give Rs.400-500 less. And you have to get the rent daily.
SA: You are saying that you liked Delhi?
Man in orange shirt: Yes, I liked Delhi.
SA: Why? What is the importance of this city?
Man in orange shirt: Just like that I like Delhi.
SA: What is the special thing? What is it?
Man in orange shirt: I like everything about this place.
SA: Everything, meaning? Tell us atleast 3.
Man in orange shirt: There is Ghantaghar, Pulbangash. There are other things that are good, they are good to see. If you go close to them, they look good, and that is why I liked it here in Delhi. I said It's fine till whatever time I will stay in Delhi, and later on, will go back home.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Right now, where are you staying?
Man in orange shirt: In Indira market.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Where in Indira market?
Man in orange shirt: Close to Pandit.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Close to Pandit? Pandit sleeps in rickshaw.
Man in orange shirt: Yes, one lane away from his rickshaw, which is where I stay.
Man in yellow T-shirt: So, where do you sleep? On your rickshaw?
Man in orange shirt: No, no.
SA: In the middle of the market.(?)
Man in yellow T-shirt: Then also, you are getting good sleep?
Man in orange shirt: Yes.
SA: Why do you like Ghantaghar?
Man in orange shirt: Just like that.
Unknown person: There was a clock at Ghantaghar earlier, which has also become spoilt.
SA: When did it get spoilt? Till when did it work?
Unknown person: It's spoilt from many days. (?)
Man in yellow T-shirt:
Man in white shirt: In private.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Which village?
Man in white shirt: Bahadurpur.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Bahadurpur?
Man in white shirt: Yes.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Where is it?
Man in white shirt: In Gonda district.
Man in yellow T-shirt: In Gonda?
Man in white shirt: Yes! When I used to study there, floods used to often come. There were floods, I studied for 2-3 classes. There were floods, so we could not go that time, the floods were there for approximately 2 months. My studies got left behind. I did not go there to study. The floods were severe. The teacher there removed my name. I left my studies then.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Till which class did you study?
Man in white shirt: Four, I studied for 4 classes. After I left studies, I came to Delhi. I used to do a job in Delhi at (?) The work used to involve (?)
Man in yellow T-shirt: So, you were here?
Man in white shirt: Here at the Ice Factory.
Man in yellow T-shirt: Okay. When did this happen?
SA: Inside? Inside the Ice Factory?
Man in white shirt: Inside Ice Factory? No, behind the Ice factory, there was a shop of (?). I used to get Rs.1500. I worked for 2 months there. After that, I said to increase the salary, but they did not increase the salary. In Rs.1500, nothing used to get saved. (?) used to take it. Rs.1000 used to go in general expenses. Rs.400-500 also. So, I left that work. My brother was there, he taught me to drive the rickshaw. He got me a rickshaw and I started to drive the rickshaw. From then on, I have been driving the rickshaw.
Man in yellow T-shirt: When did this happen?
Man in white shirt: 2 years back. It has been 2 years, I have been driving the rickshaw only from then. Then, I went to the village. In the village, I was friends with a landlord. That landlord was from (?). So, he said, "I will take you to Surat when I need 4-5 people. There will be bundles of 15-20 kgs and they have to be loaded in a tempo. After that, you have to load them in a tempo and unload them. I got ready to go with him. He said that whatever would be the general expenses, rent etc, he would give it. I got ready to go to (?). From there, he took me to Surat. Here, he had told me bundles of 15-20 kgs. And out there, the bundles were of 50-60-70 kgs. They had to be brought down from the 4th floor.
SA: This was in Surat?
Man in white shirt: Yes, in Surat.
SA: What was there?
Man in white shirt: Clothes.
SA: Oh, clothes, yes.
Man in white shirt: He had taken me saying 20 kgs of bundles and out there, there were bundles of 50-70-80 kgs. When you had to bring them down, a man used to put it on the shoulder, (?) and you had to take it till there. There was a hand-cart there. Not this kind of a hand-cart, but the one that you have to make it move with the hand. You unload the parcel and load the parcel on it. After loading it, I had to move it like buffaloes. It had to be pulled ahead. (?) I did not like the work and work used to go on till 2-2:30 am in the night. In the night, work used to go till 1:00 am and after that, where we used to stay outside the city, it used to take 1 hour to reach there. After reaching there and making food and eating it, it used to 1:30-2:00-2:30 am.
Man in white shirt: After that, I used to sleep and again, I had to get up at 6:00 am. If I would not get up at 6:00 am, then the tap water would stop coming at 7:00 am. For bathing, water had to be filled. I worked for 5-6 days. After doing so much work and not getting to sleep, and working till 2-2:30-3:00 am..(?) He thought after going that the expense was in the morning, I used to eat in the morning and then I used to get food at 2-2:30 am at night. In between, I used to get nothing, only 1 tea. Then, if I used to feel hungry for food in the afternoon, I used to get nothing. I had taken Rs.100-200 in the pocket from here, with that only, I had for 2-4 days. After that, on working so hard, obviously one would feel hungry in the afternoon after eating at 9:00 am in the morning. We were 4 people there. We thought how do we get out from here, they never used to let us go out only. Out of the 4, at times, one would be sent here, one would be sent there.
SA: They did not let you stay together.
Man in white shirt: They did not let us stay together. So, now we started thinking how to stay together. In the evening, (?).
One evening, I said that I am hungry and I want to go out to eat Samosa. All four of us got together saying that we were going to eat Samosa. After that, I went out, I took an auto and reached the station. I gave him Rs.20. Rs.20 was there in my pocket. There was Rs.500 too in my pocket. I took an auto and reached the station. At the station, one train was coming; someone asked where that train would go. I boarded the train with all 4 of us. That train stopped here in Baroda. I got down at Baroda at around 10 pm at night. After getting down, I asked one man there that, "Brother, which train will go to Delhi?" I do not know what (train) name he said. But he said that at this time, no train is there, at 5:00 am in the morning, the train will go from here. It was 10:00 in the night.
Man in white shirt: After that, I had food there close to a hotel. He took me there and said that he would get a ticket made for me. The ticket had to be made after climbing the bridge. I went there ahead, policemen were sitting there. They told me to show a ticket. I said why I should show a ticket. He was saying that I had come now after getting off from the train. I said that I have come to this place for the first time and I do not travel to this city. I do not know anything. So he said that give a penalty of Rs.500. I said that I do not have any money, I am coming just now and I am going to take a ticket. He said that since you are coming from this side, so give a penalty of Rs.500. I said that I do not have anything. They frisked me and took Rs.500. He kept it and said, "You had Rs.500 and you were lying." After that, I pleaded with him, then he kept Rs.200 and gave me back Rs.300.
Man in white shirt: Then, when I came to take the ticket, ticket for Delhi was for Rs.200, from Baroda to here. So, I took 2 tickets to Mathura in Rs.170. I did not take 2 more tickets. I said that we did not have money, so 2 will go like that only in the train. Whatever will happen, we will see if we land in trouble. After that, at 5 o' clock, the Punjab Mail train came, and it was very crowded. I could not board it. Then, we were sitting for another train, I asked a coolie, "Tell brother, we had to catch the train to Delhi." He said (?) He told me to sit in the train and that train would go to Delhi. I boarded that train, it was not crowded.
Man in white shirt: When I sat, I had already told him the entire story. He told me to go in that train and nothing untoward would happen. I sat in that train and that train left the station at around 5:30 am. We ate in the evening and the full day passed. There was no money in the pocket. Two of us, who had tickets, were sitting on the seat and two were under the seat. Somehow, they were under the seat and at around 6 pm, we got off at Delhi, at Nizamuddin. The train stopped, there I was said that get off earlier only, and not at the station. The train had stopped there for a minute and I got off there. I took an auto and the auto took Rs.150 from Nizamuddin station. I did not have money in my pocket and I reached here approx at 9 pm in the night. I sat here.
SA: Here meaning?
Man in white shirt: Here in the market.
SA: In the market.
Man in white shirt: My brother used to stay here. Out here, he made food and gave me to eat, gave Rs.150 to the auto-driver. Then he got a rickshaw for me and from then, I have been driving a rickshaw.
SA: From how many years?
Man in white shirt: Two years.
SA: You like it?
Man in white shirt: Yes, I like it.
SA: And can you say something about this area? What do you do in the day? When do you stop?
Man in white shirt: I stop the rickshaw at 9 pm.
SA: Then from 9 pm onwards?
Man in white shirt: From 9 pm, I make food, and then I sleep.
SA: Everyone makes food together or you make it alone?
Man in white shirt: No, no! 2-4 people, who are there, we all make together.
SA: Whose duty is it to cook food?
Man in white shirt: Whoever comes first, it's his duty to make food.
SA: Whoever reaches soon?
Man in white shirt: Yes, whoever has come, they make it. We make food together.
SA: After that?
Man in white shirt: At that time, after making food, I eat and sleep then. I get up at 6 in the morning. Then, I eat food and go out for work.
SA: You like it?
Man in white shirt: Yes.
SA: Do you have peace of mind, in work?
Man in white shirt: Yes, there is peace of mind.
SA: Your name?
Man in white shirt: Dharamraj.
- Dharamraj.
(inaudible exchange: tape getting over, next speaker)
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