But like any one just days short of her 20th birthday, Hemlata wanted more, wanted better. In fact, that’s what she was discussing when the bomb went off. She and her sister had taken a break from duty and were trying to figure out how to obtain a Caste Certificate from the local tehsildar’s office—Hemlata had been keeping an eye out for government recruitment ads in the papers.

Says father Yadunath, a migrant from UP, who came to this city 40 years ago and does odd jobs, from painting to delivery services: “I earn Rs 2,500-3,000, my girls had hoped the Home Guard experience could help finances at home and open their doors to a secure government service.’’

“Guddu was the more outgoing of us,” says Suman, “she was very keen on making something of her life. She dreamt of getting a government job and resume studies on the side.’’

Hemlata’s immediate superior, Zonal Commandant Vasudev Yogi Suman says, ‘‘The uniform held great appeal for her. In her year’s service during Gokul Ashtami and then over the past eight months at the rail station, she was always calm, composed. She would definitely have got a good job in the government or the police.’’

Suman says she can’t bear working in the corps anymore. ‘‘My sister motivated me to quit being a worker in a plastic unit and become a Home Guard with her. Now I would rather do some government job than go back.’’

Commandant (Brihanmumbai) Hemant Gaikwad, who handed the Yadavs a Rs 75,000-cheque from the organisation’s Benevolent Fund on July 15, has an assurance. ‘‘The corps will follow up Hemlata’s case and ensure the Railways employs Suman as part of their Ministry’s relief package.’’

... contd.