Mitali Brick Works

You can find Mitali Brick Works right near the Vodafone tower in Indas. It is easy to spot because of that tall metal structure standing nearby. The business is run by Subrata Rajak and we are located in the Bankura district. This part of the country is known for its soil, which is good for what we do. The work is steady but slow. We don't rush things because the drying process takes as long as it takes. If the sun isn't out, we are just sitting around waiting for the moisture to leave the clay. We spend a lot of time talking to the drivers who come to pick up loads. Most of them are locals from Bankura or nearby villages. The yard can get pretty crowded when three or four trucks show up at the same time. We try to keep things organized, but it usually ends up being a bit chaotic. Subrata is usually around the site, making sure the tallies are correct. We don’t have a computer system, just some old notebooks where we write everything down. The smell of burning wood and coal is something you never really lose. Even after a shower, it sticks to you. It’s a quiet life in Indas, except for the sound of the bricks clinking together as they are moved. We just keep our heads down and do the work. It is enough to keep us busy through the dry months.