In Conversation- Security Guards

We, The MIT Quill are happy to present our column – “In Conversation” , where we interview people within the college who we believe possess experiences and thoughts to be shared, right from the security guards to our seniors so as to create a healthy bonding in the campus which would be of interests to our readers.

The Interview (the interactive and discussion session probably) with our MIT Campus Security Guards commenced with a warm welcome from our guards. We met Mr. Ashokan, the Chief Security Guard of our campus who obliged to an interview and gave us an insight into their lives.

1. Could you tell us about yourself Sir? .
I am an Ex-Servicemen of Indian Army, served 25 years across the borders of the nation working selflessly like a mother and never asked for nothing in return.

The authors exclaim “Wow! That’s great (We got the chills speaking to the real Heroes of the Nation. True! We really understood that a soldier doesn’t fight because he hates what’s in front of him, he fights because he loves what he left behind).”

2. Can you tell us about your colleagues serving here?
We have 12 more security guards- Velu, Sekaran, Barani, Kamaraj, Selvaraj, Abinandhan, Kasi, Mohan, Perumalsamy, Ponnusamy, Ravichandran in our Campus. We report to the Ex-Servicemen Board regarding the postings in Government bodies all over Tamil Nadu.



3. Are they also Ex-Servicemen?
Yeah! The purpose of human life is to serve, show compassion and the will to help others. We serve our best in order to safeguard people which shall be the highest law of this democratic country.

4. Do you spend your whole night here?
We have part time working schedules based on which we assign duties regularly within ourselves ( 06.00 am to 02.00 pm, 02.00 pm to 10.00 pm, 10.00pm to 06.00 am)



5. How do you spend your weekends?
He smiles and remarks proudly, “The weekends are no more holidays in our service. We work 24*7, 365 days a year.”

6. Is safeguarding your main duty?
Our prime aim is not only to safeguard the students but also to maintain the vehicle patrols, continuous monitoring to prevent risks, watch out for looming danger and to enforce regulations.

The interviewers say “Home is a place where you feel loved, appreciated and safe.Yes! His speech made us feel the same.”

7. How could you manage any security issues or an assault?
During such issues, we are able to manage it as a teamwork by which safety is ensured back as soon as possible without disturbing the public.

8.Could you tell us of any difficulties you face service right now?
”Even honey tastes bitter if it is used as medicine”(quoted with a forced smile). We feel really awkward as the freedom is taken for granted by the some students, their lack of respect and inconvenience with us,nowadays.

The interviewers fall dumbstruck at that instant.

9. What would you wish to convey to the student community?
I would like to wish them a grand success in life. They play crucial role for the development of nation. Students, the future pillars of India should develop some basic qualities such as discipline,respect,honesty,character and attitude along with their academical achievements, which could help them to lead a prosperous life.

A few words about your profession.
The greatest sacrifice is when you sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of someone else. We feel completely integrated and soulful doing this job (despite our retirement and pension).Service to others leads to greatness. Doing what you like is freedom,liking what you do is happiness. We are fulfilled by serving people here and across the borders and true fulfillment comes from helping others.



Unfortunately, the security personnel at the hostel gate couldn’t be reached at the time of the interview.

Note from the interviewers: We are grateful to the security guards who shed light on their lives, which has changed our perspective of things.

Interviewed by Maheswari Ravichandran, Second year ECE and Varshini Veni, Second year RPT.

To read the previous article on the Michigan MITian, click the following link. http://www.themitquill.mitindia.edu/?p=5496

One thought on “In Conversation- Security Guards

  • Iravum pagalum thoongaamal indha kalooriyai paadhukaagukum avargalai yaarum kandu kolavadhilai…..idhu oru Nala muyarchi…vaazthukal

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *