Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Get-hooked
  • A security guard can teach you empathy – Guest column by Vineet Saraiwala

A security guard can teach you empathy – Guest column by Vineet Saraiwala

vineet holding the arm of ndguard
Get-hooked December 23, 2019
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
0

Vineet Saraiwala leads inclusion for a private retailer. In our guest column, he writes a moving account of how security guards have helped him to be independent despite a visual disability. He writes about how security guards play a critical role for disabled people but are never acknowledged for their services.

My cab stopped at the parking lot and a security guard assisted me to the entrance. Another guard greeted me with warmly with a cheerful ‘Good Morning!’ I reached the designated floor of my office and another security guard opened the glass door. Gestures that make you feel like a celebrity. It’s also moving to experience such random act of kindness every day.

Security guards enable disabled people in many ways

This happens with me all the time at different places. I travel to malls, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, airports, railway stations, conferences, and meetings independently  only because of the kindness and generosity of security guards. They have shared meals, often at the cost of criticism from their bosses for leaving their designated places, held my hand like a guardian and helped me in the most unexpected ways.

Security guards are treated unfairly by society. We seldom acknowledge their presence. I was observing a security guard from a distance who was greeting each and every person entering a retail store. Some shoppers were glued to smartphones, while some were in the rush of life. Most people barely noticed their presence, while some even ignored them like they were untouchables. I went to one particular security guard and asked how many people returned his greetings and how he continued to do his work without feeling sad. In his place, I would feel devastated. Here is someone wishing you warmly and gets no response in return.

Security guards are teachers of diversity & inclusion

Look at their struggles to make ends meet. Take Mumbai, where security guards mostly line in distant suburbs like Ambarnath in crowded rooms. They travel standing for four hours a day, have no holidays and go unnoticed by people. They have everything to crib about but make this sacrifice for a better future for their families. I can proclaim with not a single doubt that to learn empathy, inclusion, love, kindness, gratitude, generosity and all those meaningful words, observe a security guard in action. They are the most wonderful people I have come across. I would even say that I owe my freedom to them.

If we want to understand diversity and inclusion in a real sense, we need to learn them from security guards. They interact with people of all religions, castes and economic strata. Now tell me who in this world has this richness of experience on a daily basis? We speak of diversity and inclusion but they experience it every moment. The least we can do is to say hello and acknowledge their presence. It does not cost any money. I asked one guard how he felt when people don’t acknowledge him. He told me he greeted them out of a sense of happiness. So, when you greet a security guard, I am sure you will feel happy to establish a deeper connection with humanity.

If you still don’t have the time to greet a fellow human being, treat them with respect and dignity. They are all over the place. Be it our apartment complexes, shops, hotels, parking lots, etc. We need to open our hearts and acknowledge their efforts in making this world a better place.

0

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Read more on Newz Hook

  • Technology
    Check out these free apps that help develop fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy

Contribue to Newz Hook. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Related News

Christine Ha has covered her eyes and the words how you see me are on the back of her hand

Get-hooked

Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha is the face of month-long campaign this International Women’s Day

Matthew Walzer is wearing a blue shirt

Get-hooked

Matthew Walzer’s letter continues to make an impact nearly 10 years later

Close up of blind cook Christine Ha

Get-hooked

“Find ways to help yourself” – Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha’s powerful message for women with disabilities

Images of the 5 apps featured in article

Technology

Check out these free apps that help develop fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Get-hooked

Swarga Foundation launches sixth edition of ‘I’am Special’ calendar featuring people with disabilities

Technology

#TechThursdays - EMx turns the spotlight on early intervention & inclusive education in the 3rd edition

Accessibility

Project IDI by Perkins India lights up lives of kids with MDVI in rural Uttar Pradesh

Get-hooked

“Break stereotypes, love yourself & follow your dreams”- My Take by Anmol Rodriguez

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook is a media site focusing on Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight stories that share insights into the lives of people with disabilities, offer solutions and create collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who share knowledge about disability, inclusion & accessibility.

Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.