Deepavali is a time for celebrating with family and friends, filled with joy and festivities. As we enjoy the celebrations—bursting firecrackers and ordering food—let’s not forget the frontline workers who ensure our safety and well-being.
Dr. Vidhya Sabari, a dentist with over 20 years of experience, reflects on her past Deepavali celebrations, reminiscing about the time spent preparing for the festival with her family. “I used to have ample time to prepare at least ten days in advance, and the chats with my mother while making sweets were unforgettable. Now, with my medical career, things have changed significantly,” she shares. She notes that patients often book appointments on holidays, highlighting a growing demand and a decline in empathy.
Police inspector Angammal also speaks about the challenges of her job during festivals. “Since joining the police force, I’ve never celebrated Deepavali with my family. While they enjoy the festivities, I’m out ensuring the city’s safety. Seeing children celebrate often reminds me of my own,” she says with a bittersweet smile.
A firefighter, who wishes to remain anonymous, expresses his struggles with the demands of his profession. “Firefighters risk their lives during these times. I used to enjoy meeting friends during festivals, but now I feel isolated,” he admits, wishing for more balance between duty and family.
To ease the burden, he suggests regulating duty hours and avoiding the transfer of firefighters from other districts during Deepavali, allowing them some precious time with their families.
Delivery executive Lokesh shares his experiences with customers during the festive season. “Some customers bring us homemade treats and wish us well, but others can be rude about delays, not recognizing the volume of orders,” he notes. For him, job security and a simple smile from customers would make the holiday season brighter.
As we celebrate, let’s remember the sacrifices these frontline workers make, often at the expense of their own family time, and strive to show them kindness and appreciation.