The domestic workers at Nirvana Country had a different Independence Day this time around with an event organised specially for them at the sprawling township in Sector 50 here.
“It was the first time that I took part in an Independence Day programme. I enjoyed a play and also listened to devotional and patriotic songs. We were also told about the importance of buying an insurance scheme and I have now decided to invest a part of my savings for any exigency,” said Guddi, one of the domestic helps at the township. Along with Guddi, several domestic workers were also present at the event.
Puja Mishra, who heads the Domestic Help Committee in Nirvana Country, said that the aim behind the event was to reduce the divide between the employers and the employees.
She added that it could also be used as an opportunity to create awareness among the workers on important issues such as the need for insurance, waste management, importance of water and educate them on problems related to adolescence.
Missing connect
Ms. Mishra said that though domestic workers were an integral part of our lives in the modern times, the connect between the employer and the employee was missing. “It is because of this missing connect that there have been incidents like domestic workers hurling stones at a group housing society in Noida or going on strike in several condominiums in Gurugram seeking wage hike. Merely paying them is not enough, we also need to take care of their other needs and problems,” opined Ms. Mishra.
Ms. Mishra, a professional artist, recalled how the family of a domestic worker had to face hardships after she died in an accident and her brother refused to help the family in an hour of need. “She earned well, but did not have insurance. So our committee decided to collect some funds and help the family. Taking a lesson from this incident, we invited a representative from an insurance company to the event to educate the workers on the need to invest in insurance schemes,” said Ms. Mishra.
Certificates awarded
While Archana Prasad, a counsellor, educated the workers on how to manage their stress and anxiety, Deepak Khanna from Nirvana's Traffic Committee distributed bicycle blinkers and explained that riding a bicycle on the correct side of the road could save their lives. Similarly, Monika Gulati and Madhu Nathani, two of the residents, told the workers about the importance of waste segregation. Bagiya Kids, an NGO run by resident Shilpa Sonal, held a skit, “Save Water”, explaining how to keep drinking water clean.
It also turned out to be an opportunity for many of the workers to showcase their talent as they sang songs and gave dance performances. “At the end, we also gave away a certificate of excellence to around 40 domestic workers, including helps, chefs, gardeners and security guards, in recognition of their outstanding service. It not only motivates them to work better, but also serves as a good reference in case of a change of job,” explained Ms. Mishra.
