“I am 36 years old. For the last 4 years, I have been working as a security guard here. I am a native of Assam but I moved to Kolkata in my youth. For over a decade, I was doing errand jobs in the city and later started a small business of my own. I thought I would we would settle in life but due to a few wrong decisions, I suffered major losses. I then decided to come here to Hyderabad and take up a job that would give me a regular income.

I joined the security firm in 2016 and till now I have worked in all kinds of organisations including banks, ATMs, private companies, media houses, and hospitals. The job of a security guard is not easy. We have to be vigilant and responsible round the clock. My job is to guard this entire area apart from which I also look into collecting mails at the gate, maintaining a registry of the visitors.

I take home a monthly salary of Rs. 15,000. Though I have a few debts, to clear, my job has given me a sense of responsibility towards society and people respect me for that.

Yes, things have been extremely difficult in the recent past due to the coronavirus outbreak, but this is a time where we will have to be strong. As a security guard, I try my best to keep everyone safe. I took complete responsibility and continued my work even during the lockdown period.

Some of my colleagues have left their jobs and gone back to their hometowns to do other jobs. I understand it’s difficult to work especially during a pandemic situation, but if we aren’t going to guard, then who will?”