‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’: What Modi’s Campaign Means for Real Watchmen

Cameraperson: Debayan Dutta
Video Editor: Rahul Sanpui
Producer: Badsha Ray

On 16 March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a campaign called ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ and then the social media was set ablaze with people tweeting, commenting and posting statuses – both in favour and against the campaign. But what about the real chowkidars? How do they feel about the campaign? So, we decided to spend a night with the real chowkidars – men who guard us against the ills of society, and stand guard, day in and day out.

A day in the life of a chowkidar starts early at 5 am/pm depending on whether he is on a day shift or night. After preparing a meal and getting ready, the chowkidar has to report to work by 7 am/pm. It’s a 12-hour shift and involves a lot of physical activity.
Like in this case, the guards we met, have to walk 30-35 kms each day.

Also, there is no weekly-off or a holiday for them! Yes, you read right. The guards have to work 24x7 and if at all they take a leave, then money is deducted from their salaries. Also, in a job which involves various threats and risks, there is no insurance for these watchmen.

So, why did they take up chowkidari (the profession of a watchman), we ask. “Certain situations in life compel one to become a chowkidar,” said Yashveer Singh, who has been a chowkidar for four years now. He chose this profession because the choice of farming back home was reaping no fruits.

Now, with PM Modi’s new campaign up and running, everyone seems to be flaunting the tag of a chowkidar (metaphorically) and there’s nothing wrong about it. A responsible citizen is supposed to safeguard the country from both internal and external threats. Sadly though, in reality, chowkidars are often mistreated by the very people they protect.

“People’s behaviour with chowkidars is not good,” said Pankaj Pathak, who has been in the profession for over three years. According to him, campaigns like ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ are propaganda driven. “This is how they create their vote bank. Instead, politicians should focus on real issues,” he added.

So, what does it take to be a chowkidar, and no, we are not talking about the Twitter handle? Watch this video and take a peek into the lives of these brave and tireless men who ask for nothing in return of their services. Put on your headphones and get ready to meet the real chowkidars.

(Disclaimer: This video was shot while the guards were on duty.)