The release of Beyond The Tea Leaves: Health and Well-Being of Assam Women Tea Plantation Workers by Dr. T. Radha and Shikhamoni Gogoi invites readers into the often unseen world of the women whose labor sustains one of India’s most celebrated industries. Assam, known globally for its rich and aromatic tea, owes much of its reputation to the relentless efforts of women plantation workers who toil for hours under the scorching sun and unpredictable monsoons. Yet, despite their indispensable contribution, their lives, challenges, and struggles remain largely unspoken. This book emerges as a much-needed voice for these women, offering an authentic, research-driven, and empathetic exploration of their realities.
Through meticulous documentation and field research, the authors illuminate the demanding nature of plantation work, where women spend long hours plucking vast quantities of leaves with precision and care. Their work forms the foundation of the tea industry, yet their earnings often remain insufficient to meet basic needs. The book carefully brings forth the dual burdens these women carry—not only the physical labor in the fields but also the responsibilities at home, where living conditions are frequently marked by overcrowded housing, lack of sanitation, unsafe water, and scarce access to electricity. These environmental and socioeconomic factors shape their daily existence, impacting not just comfort but overall well-being.
Beyond these economic and social challenges, the book focuses deeply on the health concerns faced by these women. Many suffer from chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, and ailments directly linked to their working environment. Limited healthcare access, inadequate awareness of health practices, and the absence of proper support systems further intensify their vulnerabilities. The authors highlight how these challenges often perpetuate a cycle of poor health within families, affecting future generations as well.
Yet, amidst hardship, the book beautifully captures the extraordinary resilience, hope, and self-determination of Assam’s women tea workers. Their courage is evident in their daily persistence, their commitment to supporting their families, and their ability to find dignity even in the harshest conditions. By presenting their stories with sensitivity, the authors celebrate not only their struggles but also their strength.
Structured into four comprehensive chapters, the book provides both an overarching and in-depth study of the subject. It begins with a broad overview of India’s tea industry, then transitions into a detailed examination of the living and working conditions of women workers in Assam. The third chapter presents findings from multiple field studies conducted by the authors, supported by primary data collected directly from the plantations. The concluding chapter ties together insights, reflections, and the larger implications of the research. This organized approach ensures that readers—whether students, researchers, policymakers, or general readers—gain a holistic understanding of the issues at hand.
The authors bring exceptional credibility to this work. Shikhamoni Gogoi, a Ph.D. Research Scholar at the Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, combines her academic expertise with her deep personal connection to Assam. Her research focus on women plantation workers gives this book its authenticity and emotional depth.
Dr. T. Radha, Assistant Professor SS in the Department of Extension Education at the same institution, adds her years of teaching, research, and field experience. Her work with women-centered development projects—including the NABARD-supported Women Technology Park and British Council–sponsored entrepreneurship initiatives—enriches this book with practical insights into women’s empowerment.
Beyond The Tea Leaves is more than a study—it is a tribute, a revelation, and a call for awareness. It encourages readers to look beyond the familiar aroma of tea and recognize the lives, labor, and resilience of the women who make it possible.