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Sunita Aunty has been an integral part of our family for the past 11 years. She entered our lives when my brother was born, stepping in to help my mother. In Maharashtra, house help, often referred to as “Bai”, holds a unique and indispensable role, quite different from the perceptions of domestic workers elsewhere in the world. These women, embodying honesty and resilience, are the unsung heroes who navigate the demands of multiple households with unwavering dedication.
Sunita Aunty hails from a humble Maharashtrian family, residing on the outskirts of Mumbai in a place called Rabale, approximately 29 kilometers from our home. Every morning, without fail, she leaves her house at 7 AM to embark on a grueling journey. She switches between several local trains, buses and auto rickshaws, enduring the chaos of Mumbai’s bustling public transport system. Rain or shine, whether it’s the sweltering heat of 41 degrees or the relentless monsoon rains, she arrives at our doorstep by 9:30 AM, draped in her traditional saree, a smile lighting up her face.
From the moment she steps into our home until she leaves at 7 PM, Sunita Aunty works tirelessly. She handles cooking, cleaning, sweeping, and every other household chore with unmatched efficiency and cheerfulness. Her culinary skills are nothing short of extraordinary. Our family eagerly anticipates her soft, melt-in-your-mouth chapattis, a specialty that has become a household favorite. Beyond her mastery of traditional Indian dishes, she has an incredible knack for learning new cuisines. Be it Chinese, Italian, or Japanese, if you teach her a dish, she will perfect it.
Despite her remarkable talents, Sunita Aunty has never learned to read or write. During the COVID-19 lockdown, my brother and I tried teaching her English, but she couldn’t understand it very well and eventually gave up despite our numerous attempts. She does not know how to read or write in any language. She navigates her world with wisdom and intuition, traits honed through years of hard work and life experience. My mother never hesitates to leave us in her care, knowing we are in safe, loving hands. On the rare days she cannot make it to work, our household falls into disarray, displaying just how vital she is to our daily lives.
Sunita Aunty’s story is one of quiet strength. It’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of so many women like her, who balance their own familial responsibilities with those of the households they support. Despite the skepticism that often surrounds the system of domestic help, it also highlights the incredible bond of trust and mutual dependence that can develop.
Her journey, marked by countless sacrifices and relentless effort, is a reminder of the immense contributions made by domestic workers in India. Domestic workers are the backbone of countless households in India, playing a crucial role in ensuring that homes run smoothly and children are cared for. Despite their significant contribution, they often do not receive the recognition they deserve. Across India, house helps are an integral part of daily life, enabling many families to function efficiently. While official estimates suggest there are around 4 million domestic workers, the actual number is likely much higher, with some estimates placing it closer to 50 million. Our life would come to a standstill without them. Sunita Aunty is more than our house help; she is a cherished member of our family, a beacon of hard work and loyalty, and an inspiration to us all.
