Introduction
The post-tsunami reconstruction project has provided an opportunity to the trained and trainee artisans of the TARA Karigar Mandal. Along with gaining experience and skills, the members of the TARA Karigar Mandal have played a significant role in completing this mega project. A total of 35 skilled masons with 15 carpenters of Bundelkhand region provided services to the project in Karaikal and worked shoulder to shoulder with over 250 local masons over the last one year in Karaikal, Puducherri, where 909 houses have been constructed.

It would not be wrong to say that the involvement of the Mandal has supported the completion of the project in due time while maintaining the quality. The experience has demonstrated the commitment and potential of the TARA Karigar Mandal.

As the masons now return to Bundelkhand, we observe that they are much more self-assured and interested in participating in the Mandal activities. Indeed, after this project, the Bundelkhand masons were able to experience some of the benefits of being associated and the strength of being together. Of course, they have benefited economically; their social worth has also improved in their villages.

In other words, we can say that an association of these agents of change seems to be the logical mechanism to upgrade the skills as well as avail of employment opportunities and gain pride in their occupation.

Mason Capacity Building Programmes in Karaikal
The Bundelkhand masons not only provide services, they have also benefited from the training programmes conducted under reconstruction project. While they already possessed knowledge of ‘rat-trap bond’ masonry, they have gained new knowledge in the use of fly ash blocks in masonry and safe construction practices and quality aspects in concreting works. They are proud of this accomplishment.

A Home Away From Home
It is commendable that our masons have created an example of brotherhood and commitment to achieve the target. They had to adjust to different conditions like climate and language. After a year, they have created a small Bundelkhand village on site, albeit a temporary one. The masons living together organise Bundelkhandi folk songs programmes for entertainment every Sunday and Wednesday for all, even the locals. Some masons have their families with them. All masons and carpenters celebrate the festivals together.

‘For the first time I have experienced the sense of brotherhood in Karaikal. We lived here like one family. I learned so many technical things during working. It is one of memorable experiences of my life,’ Parmanand Mason from Barua Sagar shared his thoughts with a smiling face.

One and half years back, in an initiative taken by the Tara Karigar Mandal, some head masons such as Balmukund, Bharath and Vijay Kushwaha, along with one mason group of Barua Sagar village came to Karaikal and started work as trainers in this project. After that, many mason groups from Orchha, Niwari, Barua Sagar came here and carried out efficient work. In the beginning, the masons were somewhat confused about providing their services in Karaikal because they had certain misconceptions and fears about the coastal area. Tsunami and earthquake and also the long distance were factors for the same. Although they required employment through the Tara Karigar Mandal in nearby areas of Jhansi, Datia and Tikamgarh, due to the drought there was no construction in Bundelkhand, resulting in large-scale unemployment generated for masons and artisans.

One Right Step Can Change Their Life
These are not my words. Now the Mandal masons are also realising the significance of unity. They have committed to use the platform with renewed interest.

“I learned to work with a timeline and with responsibility. I think the sense of security provided by DA encourages me to carry out my work in a better way. On coming here, I did not feel that I had covered a long distance,’ says Shyamlal (mason) from Niwari.

Most masons working in this project have long working experience, having worked in large construction projects through builders and other construction companies in various cities. They said that they have never felt work satisfaction, security and loneliness, as they went along with their entire families looking for work in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, etc. According to them, this experience was completely different from other construction projects in terms of personal growth and capacity building. The good opportunity of a long employment has included the process of learning, giving them confidence on good practices of safe construction. They have gained through knowledge sharing and working together with masons from Karaikal. Their team spirit has increased. Some of the head masons have also been promoted as a quality supervisors and trainers.

Challenges Ahead
After the completion of this project, the main challenge ahead of the Tara Karigar Mandal is the next opportunity for trained masons in Bundelkhand. They are continuously reminded that they should not entirely depend on TARAgram for jobs. Their unity and confidence will help them seek better opportunities and also negotiate for better value for their skills. An attitude of dependency can be fatal for the sustainability of the TARA Karigar Mandal.

A Bright Today Promises a Brighter Tomorrow
All the masons of the TARA Karigar Mandal are enthusiastic, so this is the right time to motivate them towards following up on strategy and planning. This is also a turning point for TKG. After this project, most of the senior masons want to start the next assignment as contractors and quality supervisors. They have started preparation for the same. Some of them have planned to start pre cast building material enterprises, which is a good sign for TKG’s prospects. Thus, this project would like to leverage its strong bonds with the TARA Karigar Mandal and support the TKG members to initiate and carry forth their experiences to manage new opportunities. q

Vinit Nigam
vnigam@devalt.org