Sanitation Worker, 11th Cross, Malleswaram

Eighteen Years in One Place

My name is Narayanamma, I live in Srirampura. I have been working here for 18-19 years, in the same spot—11th cross—since the beginning. There have been many changes in Malleswaram over the last 18 years. Earlier, it was filthy, but it has become clean since we joined. Independent houses have turned into apartment buildings, schools, and colleges now, but I prefer Malleswaram in its present state. It is much cleaner and everything is close by. Although it was greener before, the smaller saplings planted that time have grown into trees now.

The traffic, however, has increased and there are more cars on the road. The number of people has also risen, which means more waste gets thrown on the roads. Sometimes those from neighboring areas litter this space, and if we object, they argue back saying it is a public road "that they pay taxes for." Despite a few problems like these, I like Malleswaram.

The People I Meet

Most people here are good—they keep the garbage outside and give us tea, coffee, or breakfast. There is a woman across the road who gives us coffee; BBMP does not provide it for us. Some people also give us food, otherwise we eat from nearby hotels.

There are a few, sometimes, who look down on us, act differently, or maintain a distance when handing over things to us—generally they are seniors. They say things like "We just bathed" or "We have to do puja"; other times, they leave it outside for us to take. I do not expect anything from the people, nor do I go searching for respect. I focus on doing my own work.

Finding Joy in Community

It is a nice environment to be in, people talk to us nicely. This is a familiar place and it is dear to me; I wouldn't want to work elsewhere. All of us talk amongst ourselves and have fun. Others may not always like it, they get angry sometimes, but we enjoy amongst us and make a lot of jokes.

A Portrait of Dignity

About “Pourakarmika”, the mural of Narayanamma painted by Artist Parameshwar as part of the Malleshwaram Hogona project:

I felt very happy when they offered to paint my picture on the wall; It brings me joy to see it. My friends came to see it as well, and they were very happy for me. Seeing my face on the wall gives me and all pourakarmikas value and a sense of respect.