The protagonist of R.K. Narayan’s short story “The Gateman’s Gift” is Govind Singh, an ex-serviceman who has worked as a gateman at Engladia’s for 25 years. As Govind Singh works through the difficulties and daily rituals of his post-retirement life, the plot develops.
The narrative commences with Govind Singh realising that his ageing senses have rendered him unable of carrying out his responsibilities efficiently. He makes the decision to retire and begins getting a pension. Govind Singh grew to have a great deal of respect for the general manager during his time as a gateman, and his interactions with the manager ended up being the high points of his career.
One day, while repairing a neighbourhood child’s toy, Govind Singh unearths his secret ability for creating clay models. With delight and fulfilment from his new pastime, he begins giving his beloved former general manager clay models.
The storyline, however, changes when Govind Singh gets a registered letter and is afraid to open it out of dread of receiving terrible news. He goes to an X-ray institute in an attempt to decipher the contents of the letter since he thinks an X-ray machine could provide the information without opening the letter. This incident gives rise to misconceptions regarding his mental state.
Govind Singh is taken into police custody due to his unpredictable behaviour, which includes smashing his clay model and making a disturbance. It is discovered at this period that the registered letter included a Rs. 100 award in recognition of his monthly clay gifts to the General Manager. In the epilogue, Govind Singh announces that he is giving up his pastime of creating clay models since it is “not an occupation for a sane man.”
In conclusion, “The Gateman’s Gift” delves into issues of fear, ageing, identity, and the influence of preconceptions on behaviour. The story uses humour to explore deeper ideas while providing an engaging and enjoyable read.
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