Mission Delhi – Pankaj Kumar, a Construction Site Mission Delhi by The Delhi Walla - January 17, 2023January 17, 20230 One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Some weeks back, a bungalow in a posh neighbourhood emptied of its longtime dwellers. Overnight, blue tin barricades came up around the deserted house. Next, the house was demolished. Next, construction of a new building started. A troupe of labourers have been stationed on the site for some days. This evening, one of them agrees to draft his biodata for us. Name: Pankaj Kumar Age: 18 Place of domicile: I’m from Purbi Champaran in Bihar. My hometown is Ghorasahan, and my village is Kasara Laukhan. Current job: I’m a labourer. Experience: I started this work one and a half month back. It is my first job. Earlier, I
City Home – Irshad’s Residence, Near GB Pant Hospital Delhi Homes by The Delhi Walla - January 17, 20230 Home sweet home [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Here, the white cord of a mobile phone charger. There, a blue-rimmed handheld mirror. On a hook, two jackets. On the floor, a blanket. This room is an entire house, tucked within a congested enclave, next to a dhobi ghat, behind GB Pant Hospital. The room is the size of a train compartment, or perhaps smaller. There is no window. Some daylight is entering through the half-opened door. It is the only door. This afternoon, Irshad is at home. In his mid-20s, he is a street hawker of coconuts. So are his older brother and his father. The three men live jointly. The house rent is 3,000 rupees monthly; they have been living here