(Part 2/2) “Soon the tradition of Kamlari and Kamaiya was abolished. What happened freed us from bonded labour but it also took away what we did to feed ourselves. There was no proper plan to rehabilitate and re-establish the now free Kamlari’s and Kamaiyas. A lot of us had no work and ultimately no grains. For a time we moved from one form of labour to another. I found work at the brick kiln. The work was difficult and it demanded a lot of strength. I toiled. Our family remained poor but we never surrendered the harshness of society. I fought and demanded that we be given opportunities. Our voice was heard and soon the government and organizations visited our communities and promised us skilled based training. It was a new thing. Learning was always denied to us. And every one of us was excited. Some joined training in sewing and cutting, some in masonry and some in cooking. I have always cooked all my life and that came naturally to me so I chose to learn cooking. I learnt how to mix the right amount of salt and cumin. I learn how to make Chowmein and momos and chickpeas and other items that customers would like. Once I was confident I opened a small shop with the little savings I had. It was only 2 feet by 3 feet kitchen. But I cooked with heart and with love. And the village people, the children loved to come and eat. My food was not expensive. It was simple and clean. At the time my husband rode a rickshaw. Soon he realized that my business was picking up and he expressed his interest in becoming my partner and helping me. He said, “Look, what if I start a butcher shop nearby. We could sell the meat and we will not have to buy expensive meat from the suppliers.” I thought that was a good idea and not long after we also started a small meat shop. 

The good people of the organization came back again. They saw my rusty stove and said they were going to help me with a gas cylinder and a new stove. With the new tools, I was able to cook a bigger quantity and serve more people. Today, I continue with the little eatery which is mine. I started it with nothing and it makes me happy to see myself in this place. My sons are going to school and we were all happy. I am also happy that I am independent and I do not have to rely on my husband for little things that I was to buy and do.”

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