John Stuart Mill once said of the world of work, “It is questionable if all the mechanical inventions yet made have lightened the day’s toil of any human being.”Today, automation in manufacturing is raising renewed fears around the world of joblessness while in India employment growth has fallen to a 7-year low. Of course, having a job – for millions upon millions of men, women and children across India – is not without its challenges and fears either. Of low pay, poor working, conditions, little or no social security or medical coverage and the sheer burden of toil.On May Day, the international day of the worker, Shome Basu presents a photographic portrait of the Indian working class.Childhood in peril. Credit: Shome BasuHeat, dust and sweat takes its toll. Credit: Shome BasuStomachs to fill. Credit: Shome BasuFor a pot of water. Credit: Shome BasuBravado in the face of little else. Credit: Shome BasuWheeling away from the shadows of another day. Credit: Shome BasuA summer sprinkle. Credit: Shome BasuA battle for survival. Credit: Shome BasuWill the winds bring change? Credit: Shome Basu‘Brokeback’ Mandi. Credit: Shome BasuSaddled for burden. Credit: Shome BasuLooking for ‘shining India’. Credit: Shome BasuThe cauldron burns on… Credit: Shome BasuSmoggy destinations. Credit: Shome BasuShadows of the past; hopes of the future. Credit: Shome BasuStony paths, weary feet. Credit: Shome BasuHope smiles on. Credit: Shome BasuMan, Iron and Steel. Credit: Shome BasuMake-do helmets, make-do lives. Credit: Shome BasuIt’s all in the eyes. Credit: Shome BasuThe wait. Credit: Shome BasuBricks of the future. Credit: Shome BasuWe build.Whose nation? Credit: Shome Basu