Mission Delhi – Shri Om Dhama, Connaught Place
One of the one percent in 13 million.
[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]
Three hours ago Mummy made him paratha served with dahi and a glass of milk. He never drinks tea or any other adult drink.
Now Shri Om Dhama waits patiently outside a Connaught Place office tower, here to be interviewed for a security guard gig. The 20-year-old has arrived ahead of time from his home in Khekra Village, too early to be admitted into the building, so kills time by trying to read a newspaper.
His troubled mind can’t quite focus on it.
Mr Dhama says he needs the job to support the family. “Papa’s a farmer, he’s growing old and I’m the eldest of four brothers.”
He’s only one year away from finishing his degree in economics. Perhaps, in a more just world, he wouldn’t be running around for work just yet. At the same time, “I recently read in the newspaper that than 20 lakh people graduated in economics last year in India… when there are so many of us in this field, can everybody get a job?”
With financial problems back in the village, Mr Dhama is hopeful he’ll land the position. “A few more hours and I’ll know if I return home happy or not,” he says, flinging the newspaper aside.
“I’m struggling. Let’s see what happens… ”
[This is the 137th portrait of Mission Delhi project]
An interviewee’s anxiety
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All the best to him…hope he got it made