Silent Worker - Our Security Guard .

 

Stories from quarantine: THE SILENT WORKERS: “just because what we do is not as glorifying doesn't mean that we are risking any less"

During this time of pandemic; with everything shut there have been some silent heroes amongst us. We cross paths with them on a daily basis not realizing all the battles they win for us. Today, we dip into the perspective of one such hero; our society watchmen.

In conversation with Rajesh Mishra ji- security guard,  Mumbai.

“The lockdown was not same for all madam ji.  In the very beginning, I was filled with fear for my safety, fear for my family’s safety and fear of being at work from the very first day that the lockdown was announced.

The lockdown was announced on the 24th evening and was to be implemented from the midnight of the same day. As a society watchman, I was in the ‘essential service’. We were given only a few hours to go home and come back with our necessary items to stay in the society for the duration of the entire lockdown. Leaving my wife and two small children to be alone at such a hard time was difficult for .We could only talk on the phone and hope that this deadly virus stops plaguing us.

Apart from our daily routine there were a lot of new chores  added to our work list Like due to safety issue  every morning the milkman would bring the milk only till the society gate and it was my job to make sure it reaches the correct house, sanitize every person etc. Every few days there would be new set of rules announced. It was very hard to adapt. When lockdown started to ease up, the start of online shopping had many deliveries coming for society members everyday. There are more than 350 houses in the society and again it was left to us to ensure the right parcel was delivered to the right house. By this time, we were allowed to go home; Some time I felt very helpless thinking about I came in contact with so many things that it felt extremely unsafe to return home to my children .

Another struggle was when my children’s school became online. We don’t understand a lot about technology and found it difficult to understand all the online terms . We had to have two smartphones- one for both of them and we didn't even have one. That plus the school fees was due of course. So yes I guess times have been tough and it's been a real struggle.

What hurts is that at work, some members are very rude when we are doing our job and asking some questions. We are also working day in and day out to see this pandemic through. I wish we got even one tenth of the respect and recognition given to policemen, nurses and other essential workers; just because what we do is not as glorifying doesn't mean that we are risking any less than they are. We deserve the same kind of respect to, don’t you think?”

“ Hum bhi toh raksha karte hai logo ki ”