The True(st) Heroes of Society We Actually Barely Acknowledge
They deserve as much respect and honor as our soldiers, firefighters, and frontline health workers
As the acid fumes stung my lungs, I fled, holding my breath.
But alternating between coughs and heavy breaths, he continued. Sensing our discomfort, he shut himself inside and soldiered on. After three hours of diligent labor, he left the toilet bowls and wash basins sparkling like a toothpaste model’s smile.
Only after another hour of Lysol-flushing, re-rinsing, moist-wiping, and hot-showering did it strike me — this bi-monthly “ordeal” of ours was his daily living reality.
Scrubbing bathrooms for 9–10 hours a day, amidst harsh chemical fumes, he makes around $500 a month. Given the median Indian income of $422, it’s not paltry.
But at what cost? Years, if not decades, shaved off his lifespan. The “menial worker” social stamp. Amplified risk of skin and lung diseases, especially cancer. Condescending looks and treatment from the so-called “upper classes”.
The habitual Paan aka Betel-quid chewing — promoted by the money-hungry celebs he idolizes — only worsens the health risks. Did I mention he didn’t even use a mask until we offered him one?
