Rajagopal Rice Mill

The mill is right here on Varalakshmi Street in Darsi. It gets quite noisy when the machines are running, but that is just how it goes in this part of Kanigiri. Most of us here grew up nearby, so we know the people who stop by with their sacks of grain. It isn't a fancy place by any means. There is dust everywhere, mostly from the husks, and the floor is usually covered in a thin layer of it by noon. We start pretty early, often before the sun is fully up, to get things ready for the day's load. Sometimes the power goes out, and we just sit outside on the stone steps until it comes back on. That is when we catch up on the local news or talk about the weather. It is hard work, moving heavy bags and making sure the rollers are working right. We don't spend much time on the computer or doing paperwork if we can help it. The main office is just a small room with an old wooden desk and a fan that squeaks. We have been here for a good while now, and the building shows its age a bit. There are cracks in the plaster near the ceiling and the front gate needs oiling more often than we actually do it. It is just a regular spot where people get their rice done. We try to keep things simple and get the job finished.