MOHAN- THE WATCHMAN

MOHAN- THE WATCHMAN


(When I moved into my new flat – Mohan whom I knew for the past 5-years approached me for a job as watchman. This man’s story is little bit different from other regular security persons. He was involved in an accident resulting in head injury and was operated. Sometimes he will behave very curiously and violently- otherwise a very reliable person. As a result of this behavierior he lost the job when he met me)

With the advent of multi-storied buildings and flats security assumed important matter for the residents. Sensing the upsurge many organizations sprang up in all cities. Mostly retired military personnel and police persons are employed. Some time’s private person whom the residents know well is also employed.Usually they are full time employees with a small room to stay along with their family and the salary will range from Rs.700 for part time to 4000- full time depending upon the number of flats contained in the building.

Their main duty is switch on the bore well motors according to the schedule and the common lights, to safeguard the vehicles parked inside and restrict the entry of outsiders. Mohan’s service is a part time job- from 8 PM to 8AM. In morning he used to work in the Temple restricting the entries and orderly movement of devotees. The job requires no skill but regularity of attendance and timing of works is very important. Since he used to float these things - he was finding difficulty in getting jobs elsewhere.

Our building is a small one containing 18-flats. We cannot afford to contribute heavy
maintenance charge and we restrict the work with Single watchman whose main duty is
to close the doors at 11 PM and open around 4 AM for the milk vendors. He has to switch on the pump in night and morning. Mohan ideally suited for our work. Though he is married he never stayed in his house. He preferred to stay in our flats only. We never objected this since many times he will attend in day also

Apart from this we used to get entry in the temple quickly on crowded days when he is attending duty there. What made curious to include him in this study is- his mental problem at times? A well to do person suffering with this problem, unable to find useful employment in Govt. or Private enterprises and live like any other man.
Many times he used to get depression and in that mood he will quarrel with the residents and they wanted to remove him but next morning he will forget about the incident so also the residents.

On such occasions I used to pacify both parties. Otherwise he is sincere, honest and helpful to all the residents.I studied deeply about his personal life. Poor man he did not get any compensation out of the accident. Many political parties utilized his services but after the elections are over he will be back to nil. In temple also- though he was working more than 5-years he did not get permanent job.

But with all these inequalities he is cheerful and faces this world boldly. I used to admire his devotion to God and the Employer. Every year he will take Alagu Kavadi to Lord Murugan on Sashti Day. He will hang on from moving pole by chain hooked on his body. It is one of the toughest offer to Lord and for this you should be pure –refrain from all acts not liked by God- such as smoking, drinking and sexual acts. We used to see him afresh with renewed vigor after fulfilling this vow.

Analysis:

There is scope for every one to live honorably in this world if he is sincere and honest. God will show a way for depressed people like Mohan to earn and Society also should look after such people with kindness and forgiveness.

· God looks after simple folks.
· Society has a responsibility to mentally depressed people.
· Honesty and Sincerity pays.


R.Jagannathan.