Not everyone has a holiday on Independence Day ... some have to go to work to ensure that others have a smooth day off. Here is their story
Dr Dhirendra Singh, Surgeon, Rockland Hospital
Last year too, I was on duty on Independence Day. I remember I had to attend to a few kids who were brought in due to some serious ailments. But, that’s the life of a doctor. My family and most of my friends will be busy partying and chilling out today. I won’t be able to give them company, but that’s always a part of a doctor’s job. It’s something we are now used to. I’ve also missed the birthdays of people closest to me, in fact, even my own! It makes me immensely proud to think that I will be on duty today. These are the little sacrifices that give me incomparable satisfaction in return.
Rekha Rani, Constable at Maurice Nagar Police Station
Duty ke liye bharti hue hain, toh duty ko poora karna hamara farz hai... I will be on patrolling duty in North Campus today. I think the feeling of patriotism flows in our blood, that’s why we are here. We need to be vigilant on days like today because cases of jumping traffic signals are very high on holidays. I will be on duty with a group of constables, so, I guess we will be celebrating on duty. On this day, I would like to urge the youngsters of the Capital to drive safe and stay away from causing trouble by engaging in ragging, harassing, or other rowdy behaviour.
Smitha Nair, CNN IBN Special correspondent
When my siblings discuss what they plan to do over an extended weekend like this one, they look at me sympathetically and say ‘sorry — this one’s only for civilians!’ TV journalists like me are almost always on the job on public holidays. Plus, if you aren’t married and don’t have kids to take to the parade (Republic Day), you have to grudgingly offer to take over from your colleagues who... well ... have a life. But, there is always an upside, several actually. You can drive to work in 15 minutes flat where you’d normally take 3 quarters of an hour. Also, didn’t the Mahatma say, ‘Aaram haraam hai’?
Rahul Khanna, Delivery boy at a fast food chain
It would be nice to have an off on national holidays and spend time with my family, but we get a lot of customers on such days, so I have to be at work. Some of us had to work even on the day of the World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka... that was even more unbearable! Every time the match would get interesting, a new order would come! Anyway, at least on official holidays, we get paid according to a double shift. So, I don’t mind being at work that much. Besides, I have made some good friends at work and we all celebrate together. *name changed on request
Chef Rahul Srivastava, Chef, Claridges
I’ll be working on Independence Day. I handle quality control for the hotel and it’s important for someone responsible to be on duty on that day. We expect a large number of bureaucrats and expats in the hotel on this day.
So, it’s going to be a lot of hard work. I have to ensure that the best dishes reach the guests’ tables. I worked on Independence Day last year as well. I have memories of whipping up some of the best dishes on that day. Freedom’s all about doing what you like the most, and for me, it’s always been cooking, so how can I mind working on this day?
Chef Rahul Srivastava, Chef, Claridges
I’ll be working on Independence Day. I handle quality control for the hotel and it’s important for someone responsible to be on duty on that day. We expect a large number of bureaucrats and expats in the hotel on this day.
So, it’s going to be a lot of hard work. I have to ensure that the best dishes reach the guests’ tables. I worked on Independence Day last year as well. I have memories of whipping up some of the best dishes on that day. Freedom’s all about doing what you like the most, and for me, it’s always been cooking, so how can I mind working on this day?