About the Worker
“Crossing states for work—and finding strength along the way”
Construction Worker | 8 Years Experience | Bengaluru
Journey of Hard Work
My name is Bapi Chowdhury, and I was born and raised in a small village near Kolkata. Life was never easy for my family. We had a small piece of farmland, but it was not enough to support my parents, my two sisters, and me. Like many others, we depended on civil construction work to survive.
Education was difficult, but I never stopped trying. Every day, I walked nearly five kilometers to reach Jangipur railway station, took a train to Howrah, and then walked again to reach my school. After school, I made the same long journey back home. Even during my studies, I worked part-time at construction sites because my family needed the income.
After completing 11th grade, my life took a new direction. I came to Bengaluru with my father for a construction project. The city was new, but the work was familiar. Soon after arriving, my father fell seriously ill and needed treatment. I sent him back to our village for rest, and I continued working here by taking responsibility for the job.
Today, my father looks after our farmland while I continue working in Bengaluru. Two years ago, I got married, and now I have a baby girl. Whenever I get holidays, I travel back to my village by train. The time is short, but it gives me strength and motivation to return and continue working.
I currently work as a helper, and the days are long and physically exhausting. At night, my mobile phone becomes my only companion. Through social media, I watch videos, listen to songs, and speak with my family. It helps me feel closer to home, even when I am far away.
I did not come to this city to chase big dreams. I came to carry responsibility—and I will keep carrying it.
Watch the Story
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