Story of a Farmland Owner in Vidarbha to a Construction Laborer in Mumbai

Civil engineering is a unique field—not just because of the projects involved but also due to the challenges that come with heavy capital investments, political interference, and the need for both financial and physical strength to survive as a large-scale contractor. Employers often seek engineers who can navigate these pressures, balancing communication with both laborers and top executives.

Even the most soft-spoken engineers are molded by the construction site, adapting to its tough environment. The pressures of deadlines, workforce coordination, and high-stakes projects often leave no room for gentleness.

One of my seniors once shared an experience that deeply resonated with me. It was 22 years ago when he had just started his career, full of enthusiasm and energy. He was assigned to a residential tower project in Mumbai, where a massive 400-cubic-meter concrete pour was scheduled. The site was buzzing—ready-mix concrete trucks arriving every 20 minutes, heavy machinery roaring, and workers laboring non-stop for over 14 hours.

It was April-May, the peak of Mumbai’s sweltering heat and humidity. Suddenly, one of the workers pulling concrete with a spade collapsed due to dehydration. As the site in-charge, my senior had to get him medical help immediately while ensuring that work continued smoothly.

The situation was tense—several transit mixers were waiting, money was at stake, and the workforce was stretched thin. Noticing that a Mistry (a skilled worker responsible for finishing the concrete) was standing idle, my senior ordered him to grab a spade and help.

To his shock, the Mistry refused.

“?????, ?? ???????? ???, ???????? ??????? ??? ???? ???? ??? ?? ???? ??? ! ??? ?? ?????? ????...” (“Sir, I am a Mistry, pulling concrete is not my job, and my health won’t allow it.”)

Frustrated and under pressure, my senior lost his temper. In a fit of anger, he hurled the Mistry with harsh words & humilated badly. Was so furious that he was about to hit him The result? The Mistry walked off, worsening the situation!

Helpless, my senior scrambled to arrange more manpower. Hours later, when things settled, a middle-aged laborer approached him and said:

“?????, ?????? ??????????? ????? ?? ??? ???? ???, ???? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ??????? ????? ???????? ??????... ?? ???? ?????? ????, ?????—?? ???? ???????? ????? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ???? ???????? ????. ??? ?? ???? ????? ????. ??????? ???? ??????? ????????? ??? ??????? ?? ????? ???!”

(“Sir, back in our villages, we all own 30 acres of land. But there’s no water, so we’ve come here to build homes in your city. Just remember, no matter how high your apartment is, the food on your plate still comes from the fields we cultivate. Next time, think before raising your hand on a worker.”)

His words hit my senior like a bolt of lightning. He was speechless. Overwhelmed with guilt, he went to the labor camp, personally apologized to the Mistry, and even hugged the laborer who had spoken to him.

Years later, they remain in touch, exchanging greetings on festivals. My senior now actively supports them by connecting them with job opportunities.

This experience taught him—and now me—that no one has the right to mistreat another human being, regardless of their rank or role. There is a difference between a “resource” and a “slave.”

Have you ever had a similar experience? If yes, I’d love to hear it.

Thank you Sangram Shinde ji for sharing this life lesson with me. (The "Senior" in the above article)

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