Cleaning to Confidence to Career

When Sumathi M got into a conversation with Clean India Journal, it did not take her a moment to confidently share her experience and journey from her first-ever job as a janitor with DTSS at Sri Kauvery Medical Care Ltd., Chennai. Having grown from a janitor to a supervisor in just three years, her confidence has grown with her responsibilities. Today, her ambition soars, and she has her sights set on rising to the regional level.

I can never forget the day when I first stepped out of the house to begin a new life at DTSS. I had dedicated my whole life to my family – my husband and daughter. To decide, at 38 years, to start working was a bold decision.

I had butterflies in my stomach and was clutching my saree as I stood before the supervisor for my induction. At first, I calmed myself. I was supposed to clean, and I knew how to clean. But when the induction started, I realised what CLEANING actually is all about.

Getting into my new shoes and uniform transformed my fear into confidence. Every word spoken to me strengthened my mind and guided me at every task.

I slowly understood that cleaning in a hospital is very different. It is not just about making a floor look clean or a room look neat. Every surface, every corner and every action has a reason behind it.

I learnt about infection prevention. I learnt why we have to wear a mask and why safety is important. Earlier, I would clean because that was my work. Now, I understand that when I clean, I am also protecting someone.

That thought changed me.

I remember the first time I had to handle a spill. I understood that I could not simply walk past it or wait for someone else. It had to be attended to immediately and in the right way. Slowly, these things became part of me.

Then came another learning – patient service.

Sometimes, an elderly patient would need help with bathing or changing a diaper. Sometimes, a patient would be angry because help had taken time to come. In the beginning, I did not know how to respond. Slowly, I learnt to be patient.

I understood that when a person is sick, even a small delay can feel very big.

I came here thinking I knew cleaning. I stayed long enough to understand what cleaning really means”— Supervisor Sumathi M

“You have to adjust to it,” I would tell myself.

I began to understand that housekeeping in a hospital is also about caring for people.

My confidence grew with every new responsibility. I wanted to learn more. I became interested in training and started taking responsibility for helping others learn. The person who had come to the hospital not knowing much about housekeeping was now helping others understand their work.

I have completed my 12th standard. I have learnt through training, through experience and through the people around me. I now understand that housekeeping can be a career. There are levels to grow into, skills to learn and responsibilities to take on.

Today, I stand straight in my supervisor uniform. I manage a team of 49 people. When new joins walk through the door on their first day—nervous, clutching their clothes, staring at their feet—I see myself in them. I walk up to them, smile, and tell them what someone once taught me: We are not just here to clean. We are here to protect.

I used to think my life’s chapter was closed, that my only identity was within the four walls of my home. Now, I have certificates with my name on them, a team that relies on my guidance, and a five-year plan for my career. I came to DTSS just looking for a way to contribute. What I found was my confidence, my dignity, and a purpose I carry with pride every single day.