Once upon a time in India, your family profession often decided your future. If your father was a farmer, you were expected to follow the same path. If he was a carpenter, you too picked up the hammer and saw. But this tradition is changing—and changing fast.
In recent months, I spoke to over 30 carpenters across Haryana and nearby regions, and the shift in mindset is clear: they are no longer insisting that their children continue the family profession of carpentry.
In fact, most of them are happy that their children are choosing different careers, whether in IT, government jobs, business, or even driving autos or working in retail. This change reflects deeper socio-economic changes happening across India.
From Inheritance to Independence
Ramesh, a 47-year-old carpenter from Panipat, told me:
“Humein mauka nahi mila. School chhodke kaam pe lag gaye. Lekin bachchon ko humne padhaaya hai. Ab woh jo chahein karen, hum khush hain.”
(We didn’t get the opportunity. We had to start working early. But we’ve educated our children. Now, they can choose what they want. We are happy.)
This is a powerful shift in thinking. Earlier, carpentry skills were passed down from father to son as both a tradition and a means of survival. Now, that chain is being consciously broken—by choice, not by force.
Why Are Carpenter Families Letting Go of the Tradition?
Here are some of the reason behind the change:
1. Better Education and Awareness
Thanks to government schools, private coaching, and mobile internet, even families in remote areas are now able to educate their children. Education opens new doors—and for many children of carpenters, a white-collar job feels more respectable and stable.
2. Hard Physical Work
Carpentry is tough. It involves long hours, manual labor, and health risks. Many carpenters told us they don’t want their kids to struggle physically like they did. They want them to have a “cleaner” job.
3. Irregular Income
Unlike salaried jobs, carpenters often earn on a per-project basis. There can be weeks of no work at all. This uncertainty discourages the younger generation, who are looking for stable monthly incomes.
4. Social Stigma
Sadly, in some parts of society, blue-collar work is not respected. Many parents admitted that their children feel embarrassed to say, “My father is a carpenter.” This emotional factor plays a big role in moving away from the trade.
The Bright Side- Freedom of Choice
The beautiful part of this change is that carpenters are not bitter about this shift.
In fact, they are proud. Many said, “We worked hard so our children wouldn’t have to. Now they are doing office jobs or have their own small businesses. That’s progress.”
There’s a sense of freedom and pride in watching their kids wear formal shirts instead of work aprons, and use laptops instead of hammers.
But Here’s the Concern: Who Will Be Tomorrow’s Carpenters?
While this change brings personal joy to families, there’s a long-term concern for the carpentry industry in India.
If skilled carpenters retire and no one replaces them, we may soon face a severe shortage of skilled labor, especially in woodworking, modular furniture, and interior design.
Already, in big cities like Gurgaon and Delhi, many interior contractors are struggling to find trustworthy and trained carpenters. Most of them rely on workers from UP, Bihar, and Bengal. And if even those regions see a similar shift, the talent pool will dry up.
Ideas to Make Carpentry a Career of Choice Again
If we want to protect the future of this essential trade, here are some steps we can take:
- Vocational Training in Schools – Introduce carpentry as a course in high schools and ITIs with modern tools and methods.
- Government Recognition – Provide official certifications, skill rankings, and identity cards.
- Better Earnings and Benefits – Introduce health insurance and fixed wage guidelines for skilled carpenters.
- Digital Branding – Platforms like SetKar should promote top-rated carpenters as “Local Experts” to inspire young talent.
- Workshops for Youth – Let school kids experience the creativity in carpentry through fun workshops and exhibitions.
Conclusion
Change is natural. It’s a sign of growth.
It’s wonderful that children of carpenters are exploring new paths. But at the same time, we must not let a skilled craft die silently. Carpentry is not just about wood—it’s about building homes, dreams, and utility.
Let’s modernize it. Let’s give it the respect it deserves.
And with platforms like SetKar.in, let’s make sure that even if the next generation doesn’t choose carpentry, those who do are empowered, visible, and respected.
