Attabira: Like any other parts of the district, the Sun god is also beating down on Podbadi square, near Chhandpali, a small village, under this block in Bargarh district.
It is about 11am or so. Since last couple of days the square has been bearing a deserted look, obviously for the reason the Sun god becoming so unkind and ruthless. Normally, the square does not witness much traffic and during these days, this little traffic is also vanished.
Tuesday scene was no different. The stillness reminded of a proverbial lull before storm. Amidst this stillness, a continuous clangour was heard far loud.
The sound was coming from a blacksmith’s workshop. Out of curiosity, this correspondent walked down to it, only to find two to three persons with no clothes on them, hammering red hot iron rods, sitting near burning furnace. All were sweating profusely.
Earlier this farming season, our income would cross even Rs 1.5 lakhs. The income has drastically come down since last one or so decade
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Raghab| blacksmith
During farming season, we would manufacture and sell various farming equipment. Now factory-manufactured goods have swallowed our business
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Ballav| blacksmith
Seeing the way they were busy with their work even at a temperature hovering around 40 degree Celsius, this correspondent was forced to believe that they must be earning a decent income from this profession as this profession is almost on the verge of extinction.
Not until a discussion with them did he realise their pathetic condition.
This blacksmith family resides at Chhandpali village. Bhagbati Guru, the head of the family, lives with her three sons Raghab, Ballav and Bijay, three daughters-in-law, daughter Sumitra, son-in-law and grand children. Bhagbati’s husband Rasia Guru and eldest son Ashok are no more.
Surprising to see that even at this age when joint family concept is hard to be found, all the family members are living under one roof, happily.
While three sons and son-in-law work at the workshop, the female members take care of the house.
When asked about their business, Raghab took a break to reply, “Earlier this farming season, our income would cross even Rs 1.5 lakhs. The income has drastically come down since last one or so decade.”
Sensing Raghab running short of words, Ballav joined in, “During farming season, we would manufacture and sell various farming equipment. Now factory-manufactured equipment have swallowed our business. However, we expect to earn about Rs 40, 000 to 50, 000 this season.”
It is not that they did not use to have any work during off seasons. “In off seasons, we would hardly get time for rest. We used to sell various iron wares like kitchen knives, knives, tongs, axes, iron pots or cooking pans. We have also lost this business because the same articles are manufactured in factories these days and sold at a far lesser price,” said Bijay, in a voice expressing his dejection.
During the brief stay at the furnace, this correspondent felt his clothes getting drenched in sweat and found it difficult to stay any longer with them.
Saluting to their dedication to keep their family business alive even in the face of various drawbacks, this correspondent bade them adieu.