Survival of not the fittest

It was a pleasant evening in Pune, and I was heading to a friend’s place on my bike. Just a few meters from my home, someone asked me to stop. He was an elderly man, probably in his early seventies, with a calm, innocent face and a warm smile. He was holding a small packet in his hand.

I stopped and asked him what he needed. He politely asked if I could give him a lift to the nearest ATM, which was about 500 meters away. I agreed instantly, not knowing that this short ride would leave a lifelong impact on me.

As we started riding, I noticed he was wearing a security agency uniform. Curious, I asked him about it. He told me he worked as a security guard at the ATM. I was surprised—he didn’t really fit the picture of a typical security guard. He looked frail and old, and it seemed difficult for him to even walk a few hundred meters.

We reached the ATM quickly, but our conversation continued for a while. Just to be sure, I gently asked him again if he really worked there, and he confidently confirmed it. What amazed me even more was that it was nearly 7 PM, which meant he was on the night shift.

I couldn’t help but ask him why he was doing such a job at this age. He smiled and shared his story. He had worked for many years in a company and had retired. He and his wife didn’t have children to support them, so he needed to earn enough to live a decent, independent life. He told me he earned around ₹12,000 per month from this job, which was sufficient to manage their household and live with dignity.

In a time where we often give excuses to avoid going the extra mile, this man was pushing his limits just to survive respectfully. I didn’t ask whether he never had children, or if life had taken some other turn—I didn’t feel the need to. He spoke with a constant smile, and that made me admire him even more.

Out of curiosity, I asked him if he really thought he could protect the ATM if a robbery happened. Without hesitation, he replied, “No, not at all. I probably wouldn’t be able to stop it and might even get injured or lose my life. But until then, I can feed myself and my wife, afford our medicines, and avoid borrowing money or begging.”

Those words hit me hard. I saw a true fighter in him—someone who refused to say “I quit” and was determined to keep going no matter what.

I also asked him about the packet he was carrying. He told me it was his dinner, packed by his wife every day. He smiled as he said that she never forgets to pack his tiffin, even though she knows she’ll be eating alone at home. He said he felt grateful to still be earning at this age and thankful to the company that gave him this opportunity.

He kept smiling and asked me a few questions about myself—where I was from, what I did for a living, and whether I visited that ATM often. Soon, it was time for him to start his night shift. We said goodbye, and I continued my way.

As I rode on, I realized that while he might not be the strongest or fittest, he was doing everything he could to make ends meet. He inspired me deeply. It made me realize that survival isn’t always about being the fittest—it’s about courage, resilience, and the willingness to keep going.

Many people want to live with dignity and self-respect, even if it means a simple, minimalist life. This couple, in their quiet way, also taught me the true meaning of togetherness and what it really means to support each other through tough times.

Inspired by true events. 

Regards
Live For The Nation