The watchman

In society complexes there are many people in the supporting function. These include housekeepers, office managers, and the watchmen. Most society complexes have watchmen working in two or three shifts. This is to ensure that a watchman or a security guard is always present at the main society entrance to protect the residents. The society security guards were integral part of society complexes. Mainly because their contribution to the security of the complex. However some security guards made a long lasting impression on the society members even after they had left the job. This is the story of such a security guard.

When I was four or five years old there is used to be a security guard in our society complex. His name was Gagan Singh. He was in his middle age when he started the job at our society as a security guard. I had heard from my dad that Gagan Singh used to be a military man. He was in army and was honorably discharged after suffering an injury. It was believable. Gagan Singh was tall and muscular. He had a thick moustache. He had the kind of personality which would feel protective to the people and frightening for the criminals. Gagan Singh was sometimes placed on a night duty whereas sometimes on the daytime duty. Irrespective of his shift Gagan Singh would always be alert, attentive, and awake. He would ensure that he would patrol the entire perimeter of the complex during his shift hours. When he would patrol his military walk would appear very prominently. No criminal would dare to face him.

Despite how scary he used to look Gagan Singh was a kindhearted man. He was friendly and helpful. Whenever he used to see any adult person from the society he would stand up from his chair and salute them. He would call everybody sir or madam irrespective of their age. If he noticed that someone is carrying a heavy bag he would voluntarily help them to carry it. If he would see any parent carrying their children he would offer his help to carry the children or the bags. Gagan Singh was very active. He would never say no to any work.

Gagan Singh was equally strict. He would never allow any vendor or hawker to enter our society complex. He would check the identity of every visitor before they entered our society complex. Now remember this was from early 90s where the advanced security systems were not available. Also it was not expected from the security guards to check the identity and purpose of the visit. Gagan Singh would still do that even though not being asked. He knew the importance of his job. He respected his job and made every effort to make his work more effective and efficient. He was our superhero.

During the festival time Gagan Singh would have a very different Avatar. He would take all the children around the society complex to show them the best decorations. He would take the children around the complex to distribute sweets. Gagan Singh was very protective of the children. He would always ensure the safety of children. If he saw a child crying he would ask the child why were they sad. He would try to make the child laugh again. Gagan Singh loved children. Once he was telling an uncle in society that the children remind him of his own children.

Despite being a prominent figure in our society complex we hardly knew anything about Gagan Singh's personal life. Nobody knew where his native was. Nobody had any clue about his family. Nobody knew where his family was; whether they were staying in the city or they were back in a village. Gagan Singh's professional life was very well documented however about his personal life there was always a mystery.

I believe I was 12 or 13 years old when this incident took place. My father was society secretary. One evening Gagan Singh had come to our home after he had finished his duty. This time Gagan Singh was probably in his late 50 or early 60s. He told my father that he no longer wishes to work. He said that because of the physical work that he had done throughout his youth he is now tired. He wanted to retire. He wanted to rest. He wanted to resign from his duties as a security guard. He also said that he will find his replacement before leaving. It was indeed sad to hear his side of the story however there was no option to deny his request. He had served the society complex and people for a several years. He had rightfully earned his retirement. My father agreed and asked him where would he go. He mentioned that he would go to his village however he did not mention where his village was. He was still secretive about his personal life.

Gagan Singh stayed for another 2 months. He found a security guard and trained him before leaving. On Gagan Singh's last working day, in the society a farewell was arranged for him. All the members of the society had gathered some money which was gifted to Gagan Singh for his loyal and dedicated service to the society. All of us kids had prepared a handmade greeting card for Gagan Singh. We had written many wishes for him in that card. When Gagan Singh was given the money and the card, it was the first time when we saw tears in his eyes. For the first time we had seen our superhero crying. He was overwhelmed because of the love and respect that he had received.

Gagan Singh left. Several or other security guards came and went. Nobody was ever able to replace Gagan Singh. He had set the benchmark for dedication, loyalty, hard work, and kindness. No one was able to reach that benchmark. Even today Gagan Singh's name is often mentioned in the conversation of people in the society. After several years he is still remembered and missed. Nobody got to know anything about him after he had left. Yet he is a legend even today. His story would serve as a lesson for the generations that are yet to come.