Living for his family

In the second part of the five Iepisodes featuring security guards making a difference at GCC Ashok Shah is all ears as
Prem Basnet relives his past and shares his hopes for the future. Read on! Hailing from Jhapa district in Nepal, Prem Basnet, 41, is married and has four children. He completed his primary education at the age of 12 from a school in his village but never got a chance to sit in the classroom. His life from then revolved around ploughing fields before he came to Bangalore, a couple of years ago to take up a job as a security guard at Garden City College (GCC). Having lost his mother at the tender age of ten, Basnet spent much of his childhood in solitudein search of support. Despite his interest in studies, he had to support his father with a lot of activities in the fields and other domestic chores. Fate had a different role for him to play. While his friends went to school with school bags, he carried a plough on his shoulders to the fields.
His dreams of becoming a political leader and usher in the reforms in his village, like a school teacher he greatly admired, never came true. Today, the father of four – two sons and two daughters is contented with his life. While three of his children are studying in Bangalore, his eldest son has completed his matriculation and returned back to Nepal to helpReminiscing over an incident with the Maoists, which nearly cost him his life, he feels immensely grateful to the one
above for giving him a second life. “All my dreams may be shattered but now I have dedicated this life to my children,” says Basnet. Excerpts from the Conversation:

On his childhood and interest:
My childhood was the most difficult phase of my life. I lost my mother at a very early age. I miss her very much. I completed my primary education from a school in my village. I could not continue with my education because of family problems his grandfather in the fields.Much of my childhood years went into helping my father in the fields. I was a good football player. I also played carom with my friends and nobody in the village could beat me at it. (Giggles) I miss my childhood friends in school and in the village. By nature, I was hardworking but very naughty (giggles again).
Aim in life
When I was young, I wanted to become a social worker, as I felt sad seeing the myriad problems in my village - the difficult living conditions, poverty, ignorance and lack of education. All this often drove me to become a political leader, so that I could bring changes in the society. All my dreams have been shattered. Now I have dedicated my life to my children. I just hope to serve here for a few years. When my children grow up and acquire basic education, i will then return back to Nepal to be with the rest of my family.
Supprotive and inspirational people in his life
I was very inspired by a school teacher in my village. He always helped others in difficulty and gave advice to people on various issues. Everybody in the community sought his opinion on all matters. He was determined to bring changes in the society, especially in the field of education. I always looked up to him and wanted to be like him. There are a lot of things I learnt from my father - to work hard and fight in the face of difficulties is a few of the lessons
Most unforgottable moments in life
Once on a visit to Okhaldhunga, a town nestled at the base of the hilly ranges ofthe Everest, I joined a group of Maoists at a hotel for the night. Luckily, I went out to the market to buy something and got to learn from a source that the security forces were planning to attack the hotel. I quickly went back, took my bag and left the hotel to find another place to stay. The next morning I got to know that none of the 12- member gang survived. God saved me.
Coming to Bangalore and reasons for taking up the present job
In my childhood, I always worked in the fields. After that I came to Bangalore. I wanted to earn more money and provide
good education to my children. I came here and took up this job of a security guard. I don’t see anything wrong with the job. It’s just like any other.
Hours spent at work and leisure
I work here for 12 hours a day. I get bored sometimes when I am alone. But it’s good when students keep moving in and
out. My devotion to my job keeps me vigilant all the times while on duty. Also, the memory of my relatives in Nepal and my children keeps me occupied. I stay alert and do not indulge in any other activity like listening to radio or chatting with others. I am always worried about anything going wrong because of my negligence.
Likes and dislikes about your job
The good part here is that, I am given the responsibility to take care of so many students living in the hostel. Every time they pass through this gate, they greet me and ask many things about me. The opportunity to interact with different people everyday is good.