Guru Nanak Rice Mill

Guru Nanak Rice Mill is located over on Khemkaran Road. It is a straight shot down the road, and you will see the tall chimneys from a distance. The work here is steady. We start early because the cool morning air is better for moving the heavy sacks around before the sun gets too hot. The machines we use have a rhythm to them, a kind of rhythmic clanking that fills up the whole building. You have to shout a bit if you want to be heard over the noise. We keep a small room in the corner for the office, but most of the time is spent out on the floor. There is always something to adjust or a bag that needs sewing shut. We don't use a lot of big words or fancy talk here. We just handle the rice. The farmers come in with their trailers, we weigh the loads, and then the processing starts. It is a lot of physical labor, lifting and carrying, but it keeps us fit. Sometimes we have a cup of tea with the drivers while they wait for their paperwork. The floor is concrete and hard on the feet, so we all wear thick boots. By the time evening rolls around, the noise finally stops and the silence feels almost strange. We check the locks, turn off the main breakers, and head home to get some rest.