About the Worker
“I built my livelihood brick by brick through years of construction work.”
Construction Worker | Bricklaying & Plastering | Bengaluru
Journey of Hard Work
My name is Thirumalai, and I was born in a small village in Tamil Nadu—where life depended on rain, and the fields belonged to others. My parents did not own land, and most days our meals came from the ration shop. Our home was small, and so were our dreams.
After I completed my SSLC, life changed suddenly. My father suffered a stroke, and overnight I became the head of the family. There was no time to think—only to act. I joined a six-month ITI course and worked part-time as a civil laborer, carrying bricks during the day and studying at night.
In 1989, with only a few hundred rupees and hope in my heart, I boarded a bus to Bengaluru. It was a city I had only heard about. My first job was at a small milk shop called Annapurneshwari Milk Supply, where I earned only ₹300 per month. It wasn’t much, but it was my first step toward independence.
Soon, I realized construction work could provide better earnings. I began working at civil sites, earning about ₹30 per day. The work was hard and the sun was harsh, but I never stopped. My dedication was noticed by a site supervisor, who gave me a chance to work on a building project. That one opportunity changed my life forever.
From that moment, I never looked back. Brick by brick, wall by wall, I built not only buildings—but also my own future.
By 2005, I had grown within the same construction company, learning something new every day. That was also the year I married Devi, a strong and determined woman who still works alongside me today. She is my partner in work and in life.
Together, we have three children—one boy and two girls. They live in our village with my parents and attend school there. Their education is our biggest dream. Every day of labor, every sunrise, and every drop of sweat begins with their names in my mind.
Devi and I live at construction sites, staying in small temporary rooms with tin roofs and simple walls. We cook for ourselves, rest on basic mats, and wake up again before dawn to continue working.
Our workday runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a short lunch break. We take leave only when necessary—during health issues, school admissions, or festivals that remind us of home.
I can read, write, and speak Tamil, and over the years I have learned Kannada for work. In my free time, I stay connected with friends and family through Facebook and WhatsApp, and I confidently use PhonePe for payments.
After so many years, I have become skilled in bricklaying and plastering, and I take deep pride in my work. When I see a finished wall, I see my journey—strong, simple, and built with heart.
My dream is to start my own construction business one day, to create work for others like me and build something of my own. But for now, my focus is on clearing my debts and ensuring my children’s education.
That is what keeps me moving forward—one day, one wall, one dream at a time.
Watch the Story
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