On the bustling Sector 100, where daily life and endless traffic flow seamlessly, it’s easy to overlook the quiet, consistent efforts of some who keep it running smoothly. Pankaj, whose duty is to maintain the Foot Over Bridge (FOB) that spans the busy intersection of sector 100 and the 104 Hazipur market, is one of them.
A year back, the FOB was seen becoming a spittoon for tobacco chewers, a haunt for people to eat, drink and smoke and engage in other socially unacceptable activities. A complaint was made to the agency that was contracted by the Noida Authority to maintain the FOB.
Then, Pankaj was posted here.
A few days later, during one of my visits to Gold’s Gym across the road, I noticed an impro-vement in the FOB cleanliness. A modest young boy was busy rubbing the tobacco spit marks near the lift. I complimented him for his work.
I told Pankaj that I shall talk to his senior and get that area whitewashed. He added, “And then I will ensure that no one spits here, and I will keep it clean, always, Madam ji!”
Diligently, Pankaj keeps the lift carriages clean. He locks and unlocks them every day. He ensures that people don’t gather there to smoke or drink. Politely he tells the group to move away to another spot.
Pankaj faces issues when the people are drunk and somewhat egoistic but, without losing his cool, he repeatedly requests them to adhere to the rules. If they do not listen, he takes a video of the group and forwards it to his senior who then takes appropriate action.
How did he feel when, months back, I had asked him to keep this place clean? Pankaj replied, “It is my duty. I am paid for it. All like a clean environment. I am happy that people notice my sincere work and cooperate.”
Pankaj has studied till middle school and keeps learning through several online channels. His boss is happy due to his sincerity and hard work. When I drew his attention to the rust that the metallic structure has developed, he informed me that he had already requested his senior, Tannu Sir, about it and that it shall soon get primer and paint coats.
There are unsung heroes like Pankaj around us! Without seeking praise, they report for work every day with a simple goal: to perform their duties to their best ability.
