‘Left studies for family, did night shifts’

New Delhi: The sudden death of 25-year-old Hem Shankar has cast a long shadow over his family, leaving behind grief, unanswered questions and an uncertain future. Shankar had set aside his own dreams of higher education and became the primary earner in a household that long battled financial hardship. Surender, a relative, said Shankar had been a delivery executive for the past four years. "Earlier, he worked day shifts, but later started taking night shifts to earn more to support his family," he said, adding that the longer and more demanding hours were a necessity rather than a choice. "His mother never wanted him to work at night and she also expressed her worries to him."
Shankar had to discontinue his education after Class XII. "He wanted to continue his studies, but circumstances did not allow it," Surender rued. He said Shankar's elder brother ran a videography business, which had incurred losses. The younger brother is still studying. With limited income at home, Shankar took it upon himself to provide for the family."Shankar had lost his father when he was just 10 years old. His mother then worked in houses to raise the children and ensure their survival," Surender said. The family, he added, lived hand to mouth, with Shankar's earnings covering daily expenses. Recently, on the day of a cousin's wedding, too, Shankar had gone to work as, he said, he could earn more during the wedding season, said Surender. Shankar's mother, Rukmani, said, "He called me at night asking for food. After having dinner, he left the house. I didn't receive any call from him after that."