“I was born and brought up in the Northern states of India. I lastly went to school for my 8th grade and then dropped off due to one of the common reasons – lack of money. Everyone is deprived of the fact that how much ever we earn, doesn’t satisfy our needs and requirements.

I got married in my 20s. I left my family in Nepal and traveled to work in Chennai. As Madras has been so welcoming for every human, it welcomed me warmly with a work. I was appointed as a night watchman in an apartment near Thiruvanmiyur. I’m now working here for more than a decade.

There have been many tenants, landlords, managers, staff, and residents who have resided in the same apartment, but my duty hasn’t been replaced by anyone so far and that’s how much I’m dedicated to my work.

Sometimes I do miss my wife and my two little kids, but I don’t seem to carry a dull face anytime. I’m happy and satisfied with all that I have and own.

I travel once every 6 months or 12 months to stay with my family. The reason I wasn’t able to bring my family here to Chennai is again due to the lack of money. I can’t pay the house rents of Rs.4000 or Rs.5000 – these amounts seem to be very very high. Instead, I let my family stay there in our native so that my sons will be able to get their education properly, unlike me.

Surviving is difficult, but I don’t see it as a challenging one. This is for my family & I do it blissfully. The reason being, fortunately, I feel lucky to notice food on our plates every day.

Whenever someone asks me how I’m able to live alone and unaided, I say that I’m not alone and that I’m surrounded by people like you. You can never see me without a smile on my face. I’m here to guard you throughout the night and I feel delighted to have a job in hand, despite many who choose to beg.”