Selection Stories
Everyone seeks security. In some way or another, people are constantly running after it. Half of India dreams of getting a government job because it feels secure. But security isn’t a modern concept — it has existed since the beginning of human evolution. Everything we built — homes, walls, systems — was to feel protected.
Over time, we created institutions to ensure our safety — the army, BSF, police, and many other forces. And to secure our homes, offices, stores, and societies, we rely on security guards.
Yet, when it comes to them, we often treat them differently. Maybe because somewhere in our minds, we assume they’re doing this job out of helplessness. As a society, we still tend to see people through their class and circumstances rather than who they truly are.
My recent conversation was with one such security guard. I saw him reading a book during his free time — and that’s where our talk began. Through our conversation, I discovered that he supports his niece’s education, and she’s incredibly proud of him. He also teaches kids during his free time — sometimes at very low cost, sometimes for free.
Here’s the full conversation with him — a story that quietly reminds us what true strength and dignity look like.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Tarak: My name is Tarak Dey. I used to work as a Medical Representative, and my job was going well for almost 30 years. Then I started having some pain in my leg, and during the lockdown, I lost my job. After that, I joined as a security guard — and that’s how I entered this line of work.
2. How does your daily routine look — from morning till night?
Tarak: I usually wake up around 6 in the morning and do a bit of exercise. After having a couple of biscuits, I head to work. Once I reach, I start my regular checks — the gates, windows, gas, and other things. Then I have a cup of tea with some biscuits, which is my breakfast.
Lunch is mostly home-cooked. After my shift ends, I spend some time teaching a few kids — either for free or at a very minimal cost. Then I have dinner and call it a day.
3. How much water do you make a conscious effort to drink every day?
Tarak: Around 5 litres a day.
4. Do you feel people respect your work enough? Why or why not?
Tarak: Most people behave as if a security guard isn’t even human. I see it almost every day — the way they talk, the way they treat us. They don’t behave properly, and I honestly don’t understand why people act like that.
5. If someone wrote a book about your life, what would you want its title to be?
Tarak: “Security Kaka” — that’s what I’d name it.
6. What kind of books or writers do you enjoy reading?
Tarak: For horror, I enjoy the works of Anish Deb.
For comedy, I like reading Tarapada Roy.
7. Have you learned any life lessons from observing people at work?
Tarak: I’ve observed that most people aren’t truly happy. And I pray to God that I never earn so much money that it takes away the happiness from my life.
8. What do you want people to understand about your work as a security guard?
Tarak: Treat security guards as humans, not as some insignificant creatures. We have feelings too. We don’t need a lot of money — just a little respect and a few kind words.
9. What do you think makes a good security guard?
Tarak: A good security guard should be honest, focused, and aware of his surroundings at all times.
10. What is life according to you?
Tarak: Stay happy and keep faith in God — He will come to help you in one form or another.
———–Thank You———