Met recently, Nathu the 75 years oldman, Blacksmith (LOHAR). Happened to meet him while I was at Ajmer(Rajasthan) for my work. What has attracted me to see him working in most adverse condition at such an old age. Nathu was working in open in scorching summer with temperature soaring above 40 degree Celsius at road side, additional heat is generated due to pumping fire to heat IRON, adding further difficulty level.
Out of my inquisitiveness I decided to spend some time at road side with Nathu who works daily 8-10 hours, and tirelessly he has been doing this for over 50 years. I found him happy, very positive for life and fresh & full of energy!! Nathu feels that he is contributing to society by making iron tools for many daily wages laborers who depends on these tools for their daily livelihood and with this he also earns 80-100 rupees adequate for his living.
He was very kind to narrate his story that he learned blacksmith work from his father and their forefathers at one time were engaged in making swords and other weapons for Rajput Kings of Rajasthan, India. After they were defeated by Mugals their community decided to stop making weapons and switched to making utensils or tools for farmers and other daily workmen. The art of Lohar has been gradually declining as new generation is not much taking this forward.
But he candidly felt given an opportunity can create any material from Iron and was very confident of his art and even teach others. I was very pleased to meet such a sincere hardworking, non complaining person who works so passionately at this age and very positive towards his life with full of energy.
Nathu is a real hero!
This is #incredible India.
20 Jun 15
