Balajee Bricks

Our spot is over in Ukhunda village, which is part of the Keonjhar district. It is a quiet area mostly, except for when the tractors are moving around. Being out here in Taluka Keonjhar means we are quite a distance from the main city hub. We spend most of our time looking at the sky, hoping it does not rain while the bricks are still wet on the ground. When the weather is good, everything moves along fine. We have got a small crew of guys who have been with us for years. They know the rhythm of the work better than anyone else. Sometimes the clay isn't exactly right and we have to adjust things. It is not like a factory where everything is perfect every single time. We deal with the dirt and the heat every day. My father started this and now I am just trying to keep the place running without too many problems. We have a small shed where we sit when the sun is too much. There is usually a dog sleeping somewhere near the entrance. People stop by to ask about prices or just to talk about the local news. We don't do much advertising. People just know we are here at the post. It is a simple life and the work is hard on the back, but it is what we know how to do and we stay fairly busy through the week.