People and the places
Welcome toTambat Ali - the sacred abode of the talentedandhighlyexperiencedcraftsmenofour craft – the beating of copper. An exclusive sneak peak into the workplace and homesofthecraftsmenandtheirfamilies. Down the narrow lanes ofTambat Ali, in the heart of the busycityofPune,nestledwithincloseproximityto one another, witness the unforgettable yet enchanting music conceived by the beating of copper, children running about playing in the alleywayandwomenperformingtheirdailychores. Beholdtheworkmanshipinitsunparallelednative state.
“
“
Everyone has something new to show, Everyone knows something we dont know.
They treat us as if we are royalty that have come to pass; but the truth is, this is their kingdom that we are trespassing. In their castle made of metal, and wood and beans, they are huddled together dreaming magnificent dreams. Their hearts beat to the rhythm of the continuous clang of metal on metal, and their hopes burn bright as the embers in the furnace, while their eyes gleam like copper under the midday sun. Meet the souls who reside at Tambat Ali.
“
In the serpentine streets, Under the stairs,
“
You’ll find coppersmiths,
Basking in the sun’s rays.
Down a lonely lane, I shall work mindfully, Down a quiet street, I will grow endlessly.
Tambat Ali is a universe in itself. You may feel like you are on the lost island of Atlantis. You will see ladders and stairs, parakeets, scooters, kids, grandmothers, washing lines, and the protagonists: The Coppersmiths.
“
There really isn’t much that separates us. We are living in this world of metal and concrete trying to preserve all that we believe to be art and all that is close to our heart.
“
Men working in their habitual surroundings.
“
“Am I just getting by? Yet I go to bed with my mind at
peace. I am practicing the art of my fathers my daughters
are living out their dreams. The sun feels warm on my face and the air smells sweet. It is true that my hands are rough and my body may be aching, yet my soul is tireless and my
“
heart still sings.”
The dents on the copper, mirror the colours around, looking like a mosaic.
It is not just copper, they turn to a little divinity too.
(This is a reference to the many hardships that the coppersmiths face.)
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust; all that remains is black.
The president of the Tambat Association, Mr. Sunil Wadke.
There is no substitute for hardwork and Pramod Walke is the true embodiment of it.
Men may come and men may go, but the heritage shall remain. Gradual is this process, not fast, nor slow, Sincere will be hardwork and pain.
“
“
Everything runs its course, and indeed it is true; Be it metal ores, or the craftsmen who are so few.