Udaipur- Conventionally, Rainbaseras, the transient shelters operated by municipal bodies in cities, conjure images of the destitute seeking warmth from the biting cold. Yet, within this narrative, the focus shifts from those in slumber to the remarkable tale of a 20-year-old tribal caretaker. While others find respite in sleep, he stands vigilant, dedicated to the well-being of those seeking refuge.

In a well-off family, a youth of his age would typically have a monthly pocket money of 5 thousand rupees, fancy clothes, a motorcycle for commuting, and an Android phone. Amraram Garasiya, hailing from Kotra, has to work 12 hours a day to earn a monthly salary of 5,500 rupees. He has no holidays and must seek a friend's favour to cover for him if he wishes to take two days off to visit his family in Malwa ka Chora village in Kotra, a distant tribal-dominant block in Udaipur.

The Mooknayak team conducted a random visit to the Ashray Sthal (Rain Basera) at Chetak Circle on Thursday night. However, what stood out the most was not the people sleeping here or the lack of facilities, but the sincerity of the caretaker, Amraram, who was attentive to every call and keen on ensuring everyone slept comfortably.

"I have been working here since 2021, in the night shift from 6 pm to 6 am. In the morning, a lady named Shabana takes care of the day duty hours," Amraram shared. When asked about his qualifications, he mentioned being a graduate in Hindi Literature, Geography, and History. "I wanted to pursue B.Ed but couldn't manage the fees, around 28 thousand rupees. So, I enrolled in a Sikar college in the STC course with a fee of 13,500. Though I have to attend classes, I don't want to leave this job. Even though nothing is saved, at least I don't have to ask money from my father, who has no means of livelihood and does menial jobs to survive back in the village," said Amararam, who has four siblings. He secured the job through a Delhi-based NGO responsible for supplying manpower to shelter homes.

Amraram is presently preparing for competitive exams and is eager to secure a government job. "I know it's very tough, and I have to study very hard. I value this job because, even though the pay is less, I can have two meals a day." Amararam stays at the Rainbasera and eats at a nearby hotel. When everyone else goes to sleep in the night, Amraram sits down at his table, diligently studying for exams.

"For one-time thali, I pay Rs 60, so it costs 120 rupees a day to eat. I cannot afford the luxury of breakfast or tea/coffee in between as I have to buy books to study, and survival is difficult," he adds. Amraram has to leave for college in Sikar as classes are about to start, but he doesn't wish to go. "It's not that I don't want to go; I don't want to leave the job here. If i go there, i will have to spend at least 2 thousand rupees monthly for a room which i dont need to spend here in Udaipur. However, the college is asking for a donation of 30 thousand rupees for two years in exchange for permitting me to attend only the examinations without attending classes. I wish I could raise that much money," he says sadly.

Amraram is not only responsible for taking care of the shelter home during the night shift but also washes the dirty linen every fortnight, earning extra money for the task. "I wash the sheets on one day, pillow covers on another, and quilt covers on different days so that people do not face difficulty."

How does he manage if someone falls sick in the midnight? Amraram says there is a first aid box with emergency medicines to be given. However, if someone falls seriously ill, they would be taken to the nearby hospital, which is hardly a kilometer away.

The Rainbasera, with a capacity to lodge 18 persons (15 men and 3 women), was full, accommodating 19 people. However, the three beds reserved in a separate room for women were empty as no female guests were present. There is a Television set, a heater and adequate quilts, beds, pillows and blankets for each person. There is a geyser in the bathroom, and pleasantly surprisingly, all is in working condition. "Winters are always full; it's always overcrowded because people need blankets and a warmer place to sleep," he remarked.

In Udaipur, seven shelter homes stand as sanctuaries for those in need, each operating at full capacity during this time of the year. They are managed and controlled by the Udaipur Municipal Corporation. At Chetak Circle Ashray Sthal, the amenities are not just adequate—they're a lifeline. Linens are clean, and inhabitants nestle comfortably in their beds, lost in the embrace of deep slumber. "We maintain a record of every guest, keeping the gate open till 11 pm. If anyone arrives late at night, we take them, understanding their pain," shares the dedicated caretaker.

Typically, guests are not allowed to stay consecutively for more than seven days. "Many are homeless, with nowhere to go. They break their stay every week, moving to another shelter for the next week, and so on. Survival is the name of the game," reveals Vinod Garg, a labourer who has found a permanent haven here. Garg extends a helping hand to Amraram whenever the latter needs a day off to visit home. "There's no honorarium for it, but we adjust for the sake of friendship," says the duo, emphasizing the bonds formed amidst adversity.

As the night grows colder, the ambiance within Ashray Sthal remains warm. It's not just the blower circulating hot air; it's the genuine warmth and compassion exuded by caretakers like Amraram and Vinod, forging bonds of friendship amid the chill of the night.

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