Chai, Darwaaze Aur Sawaal

by | Jan 25, 2025

So, I’ve always wanted to do surveys or be a part of one. Sounds odd? Maybe not that much, but it’s not exactly something that ranks on the “top five or ten things” list. Anyway, I know I certainly did, because talking to a bunch of strangers and asking them some personal—and, at times, what might be considered inappropriate—questions is fun. Pretty, pretty fun. And that’s exactly what I had the opportunity to do when I recently conducted a survey aimed at finding out whether the lives of migrant workers have changed over the last two decades.

Has their place of destination of migration for work changed? Or has their work changed? Has their mode of transportation changed? What about their standard of living, health, or education? Basically, has their life or way of living changed? There were about 30-40 questions to answer, and through this experience, I believe I’ve come out much wiser. Here is a snapshot of what I saw and encountered.

People Want To Talk

Well, I had imagined people would be reluctant to talk to complete strangers about their lives, the work they do, and the source of their livelihood. But I was wrong. People talked, and not because they had to, but because they wanted to. It’s not every day that you get a couple of people asking you about how things are going, whether there are any difficulties, and just how much you really earn. I mean, really.

Of course, when I say this, it doesn’t include everyone. Not every person you meet will be willing to talk. There’s also some class difference that I noticed—poorer people were generally more giving in terms of information (and otherwise) compared to relatively well-off individuals. This might not be generalized, but in this context, definitely what i experienced. What role did power between me and them had a hand in here?

You Can Drink As Many Chai’s As You Want

My personal record is 11 cups in one day. That’s a lot of tea, but you don’t say no to chai. Everyone knows that much. And if you didn’t, now you know. People might withhold some information if you refuse. So, you just say yes with a smile. And why not? Who else is going to offer you free chai on a daily basis? But there are times when you do want to politely decline. Then they insist. And you say, “Nai, nai, nai, thank you, phir kabhi.” And cut to the next shot—you’re holding a chai in your hand, and the discussion continues…

Author in some deep conversation with certain someone

People Are More Than Numbers

Hard to believe, but true. People are more than numbers. There are certain households you need to cover during the survey, and I feel there are two ways to approach it. One is quick—you go, introduce yourself, ask questions, and move on. Boring! The other approach takes more time, but it’s more rewarding. You get to see that each household and family has a unique story to tell, and you’re the privileged person with whom it’s been shared.

Surveys are more fun with other people, aren’t they? Sometimes, when you’re on your 20th household and going through the same questions, it can get mentally tiring. But if you have someone with you, there are two benefits.

First, both of you can take turns asking questions (it doesn’t take a genius to figure this out). Second, it’s just nice to have someone with you to chit-chat with, finish the survey early, and then find a nice place to eat. Which, in my case, is a wee bit difficult. But that’s a story for another time.

PS: There will be no other time.

Expect The Unexpected (We Must Follow The Cliche’s, So They Must Be Used)

What do I mean by this? Sometimes, while asking a family member questions, you’ll get invited to an event in their household, maybe even a wedding. One might think these are nothing but empty gestures, but then you’re at one of those events, again, drinking more tea. The point is, you never know what kind of story you’ll uncover, the people you’ll meet, or what could happen if you just sit and listen to them.

Awkward Silences—What About Them?

There are moments when you’re standing at someone’s door, explaining the purpose and objective of your questions. You ask, “Will you be willing to participate?” Instead of a yes or no, you’re met with silence. Not a deathly silence—just an awkward silence. You’re tired, so you say, “Please?” Still, no answer. You finally give that wonderful person a smile and leave.

When you ask some people about their personal income, you encounter silence again. You try formulating the question a bit differently or ask them to give you a ballpark figure, and sometimes you don’t even get chai, and you have to leave. But sometimes, what you’ll get instead is a smile and something like, “Yahan kya hi hai, kisi tarah se ghar chalta hai, kuch kaam ho to kaam kare hum, kheti ke alawa kuch bhi nahi hai.”

Now it’s up to you to put a number to that statement. And some people, who get a bit suspicious of you, might eventually ask you—based on a true story—“Will this information be given to the government?”

So, yeah…

There are probably ten other things I could say, but I’ll stop here and let you all soak all of this. Maybe ruminate on it for a week or so. A week is the bare minimum. Till then, do whatever you want to do man, but just don’t trouble…

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