There are a lot of people in our country who do important, difficult and even shitty jobs who don’t get the respect they deserve. Here are just a few.
1. Teachers
You’d think the people who teach you your A-B-Cs would get a lot of respect. But surprise surprise! They don’t. In India, where teachers often get abysmal salaries and pathetic working conditions, respect is pretty much the only thing they have going for them. And even that comes little and rarely.
2. Rickshaw Pullers
Rickshaw pullers are the lifeline of India’s closeted and cluttered lanes and far flung settlements. They do this back-breaking work throughout the year, completely exposed to the elements for a pittance of a fee. The most we do to thank them is bargain to reduce their charge from Rs. 15 to Rs. 10. And then we hate it when the rest of the world calls us cheap.
3. Farmers
Farmers grow our food. We eat the food they grow for us. And that’s pretty much it. While most of us can’t be blamed for not displaying our gratitude for all the hard work and toil they put into keeping us fed, that doesn’t change the fact that they have a really thankless job.
4. Soldiers
They’re at the frontlines right now, sleeping a little less so all of us can sleep a little more. But we choose to reserve our patriotism and appreciation for two days a year, Republic Day and Independence Day. Whatever happened to “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan?”
5. Sewer Cleaners
This may come as a surprise to the more privileged amongst us, but gutters don’t actually clean themselves. There are people who have to get into that muck and keep the drains unclogged. And which words do we choose to address them with? “Achhoot,” “Untouchable,” “Bhangi” and “Chaparasi.” Let’s have a round of applause for Indian society everyone!
6. Window Cleaners
Who keeps the shining towers of our metros sparkling clean? Not Spiderman. These guys risk life and limb to keep high rises gleaming and scarcely get a hat tip in return.
7. Policemen
Okay, so there are a few rotten eggs in the Indian police. But isn’t that true for every profession? It’s tough keeping Indian society safe. If they succeed, it was their duty. If they fail, it was their fault. Working at the salary of a low level corporate executive at the age of 40 with a family of four to support is no joke. We choose to laud them by saying, “F*** the police.”
8. Housewives / House-Husbands
Okay, so this one isn’t exactly a job. But it might as well be. Taking responsibility for the entire house on your head is no mean task. And the worst part is that most families think nothing of the monumental amount of work our mums have to deal with. But they do it anyway, and they do it with love. House-wives and house-husbands of India, we salute you.
9. Customer Service Representatives
You’re not going to have a good time if your job is to listen to people complain all day. But the people in India’s numerous call centres do it anyway. They get screamed at, abused and berated for something that usually isn’t even their fault. Yeah, their job really sucks.
10. Parents
This might just be the most thank-less job in the world. Love, care for and raise your own blood without expecting a single word of appreciation. Go ahead guys, call your Papa or Mum and just say the two magic words, “Thank-you.”