Diwali in the Time of Duty

Strategic Insights -

Beneath the twinkling lights and vibrant Diwali celebrations across Ahmedabad, the unsung heroes of the city carry on with their duties, whether it's emergency medical services, firefighting, or keeping the city's streets clean. Tales of devotion and dedication come alive as we meet the individuals who don the multiple hats of professionals and guardians, making Diwali possible for all.

Key Takeaways:

  • Atul Parmar, a 41-year-old ambulance driver for 108 emergency services, has been working round the clock for the last eight years, missing Diwali celebrations with his family. He says, "I see the face of my family members in the emergency cases that come to me."
  • Mitesh Patel, a 25-year-old fireman, has grown up seeing his father work on all festivals, including Diwali. He says, "My Diwali celebrations for my family start when the six days of celebrations are over for the public. It is only then that we can find some time for each other."
  • Raju Ramjibhai Nayee, a 55-year-old crematorium attendant, has been born and raised in the crematorium. He says, "For me, duty comes first, and I have never thought my duty is taking a toll on my life."
  • Bhavti Sarvaiya, a 31-year-old nurse, celebrates Diwali at the hospital with patients and their family. She says, "I haven't celebrated Diwali for the last six years, and I do not miss it anymore."
  • Arvind Ninarna, a 49-year-old traffic head constable, has been with the police for 26 years and has never celebrated Diwali on the festival days. He says, "My Diwali starts on road duty and ends at road duty, managing traffic and helping smoothen things."
  • Dipak Babubhi Parmar, a 30-year-old sweeper at Bodakdev ward, has never spent Diwali at home for the last nine years due to not having off on that day. He says, "It takes me more time during Diwali to clean the streets."

Statistics:

  • For Atul Parmar, Diwali means working round the clock for 12 hours a day, between eight and nine hours more than his usual time.
  • Medical emergencies spike during Diwali, with Bhavti Sarvaiya noting that the hospital rush is bigger during festival time than on regular days.
  • In Ahmedabad, road duty and traffic management during Diwali have become an essential part of Arvind Ninarna's job, with him working continuously for the duration of the festival.
  • Dipak Babubhi Parmar spends an extra 2-3 hours cleaning the streets on Diwali, compared to regular days.

Sources:

  • Atul Parmar, Ambulance driver, 108 emergency services
  • Mitesh Patel, Fireman, Ahmedabad Fire Brigade
  • Raju Ramjibhai Nayee, Crematorium attendant
  • Bhavti Sarvaiya, Nurse, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad
  • Arvind Ninarna, Traffic head constable, Ahmedabad Police Department
  • Dipak Babubhi Parmar, Sweeper, Bodakdev ward
  • 2010 Diligent Media Corporation Ltd., DNA (Daily News & Analysis) - 'Angels in Uniform: These Unsung Heroes Keep our Diwali Lighting Bright'