Our Correspondent / Noida
After the tiff between residents of an upscale residential apartment and maid servants working there, a nearby society has tried to reach out to the poor workers on Independence Day.
Residents of Nirala Estate society in Noida Extension gave honour to the maid servants working in the society by distributing special gifts to them.
It was part of the Independence Day celebrations. After the flag hoisting, the maids were called on stage one by one. They were given suits or saris one each.
“The idea was to make them feel part of the society. Their work generally goes unrecognized,” said one resident.
“There couldn’t be a better occasion than Independence Day to honour them. It will give them a sense of belonging.”
Last month, Mahgun Moderne society in Noida saw violent reaction from maids and their relatives after one maid was allegedly manhandled by a resident. The residents in turn alleged the maid of theft in their home.
The issue was widely discussed on social media showing class bias. Sociologist say there is a widening gap between the residents and maids. Maids are usually a suspect while maids allege of lowly treatment by the residents.
The Mahgun incident led to the profiling of maids.
However, the Nirala Estate residents have tried to give a healing touch to the maids. Nearly 70 maids and other workers were given gifts to bridge this psychological gap.
The initiative of Nirala residents may encourage others to look for the welfare of the maids who have little or no social security.