What is your religion and caste?
My caste is Dayal [Hindu].
Are you married?
No, ma’am.
For how long have you been living in Delhi?
It’s been five years.
With whom do you live?
I live alone.
Why did you come to Delhi?
I came here to take up a job. And to earn some money.
Were there no jobs where you lived?
There were. But they aren’t enough for people to really make a living from.
Did you have any friends or family living in Delhi before you came here?
Yes, I had a friend here. He was the one who got me here. He doesn’t live here anymore.
What did he say when he got you here?
He said, "Come with me. I’ll get you a job." I have changed quite a few jobs after that one. That’s how I finally got here. He got married and lives with his family there [in his hometown]. And by now I know how things work and how they don’t.
What work do you do?
I install CCTV cameras. I even repair them.
For how long have you been doing this work?
I’ve been doing it for around three years now, ma’am.
The money that you make with this, is it enough for you?
I manage to get just enough for my needs. I wouldn’t say it’s enough.
Do you manage to send some money back home to your family?
Yes, I do.
Had you ever done this kind of work before?
No. I had never done this work before. There’s always a first time for everything in life.
What work had you taken up before this?
Before this I did a lot of jobs. I was studying. I’ve cleared 12th grade.
And after that?
After that I dropped out. My friend called me here.
How do you manage your customers on a daily basis?
Actually there are no customers. This is my own gig. I have established a few contacts in the market. I have arrangements with small companies around here. I have business cards which have my numbers. So, we get calls and with references we get most of our work. The companies have my visiting card. I get a message a day prior to when I have to visit the company. So, I follow up the next day.
What goes on in your mind when you’re working?
I like that I’m doing my work. I want to finish it quickly.
In your opinion, what would be the ideal job that you’d like to do?
For me this is good. I want to put my heart and soul into whatever I do. That’s it.
How do you like life in Delhi?
It’s nice. I think it’s very good. I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs. They’re a part of life.
For example?
Like, when I came to Delhi for the first time, I couldn’t find a job. Because of that I had to join an office [as an assistant/servant]. I even had to sweep the floors there. I did it. Then I realized maybe that wasn’t good enough for me. That couldn’t improve my future in any way. Then I changed my job. This circle goes on in life. But I have been quite stable in this work. So, I’ll continue doing this.
If you ever get a chance to go back, would you like to do that?
Go where?
Go back home.
Of course, I go there.
No, I am talking about moving there permanently. Would you do that?
If I move there permanently, then I’d also take the security system along with me. I’d do the same work there, too.
But do you wish to leave Delhi and go back home?
Not yet, I’d say.