James Jose

James Jose is the CEO of Revival Engineers and director of Geomatt Equipment Rentals Pvt. Ltd.. He shared his perspective with us on providing support to the frontline as the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies:

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A doctor friend of mine urges me: "Jamie, don't step out! It's a bad scene; hospitals are overflowing and kids are being infected. Don't risk it!"

I too am worried, but we are forklift men: we lift things you need, we lift those oxygen cylinders and load them into trucks for you. We make sure fertilizers and petroleum supplies are not stopped. We pick and carry essential food and groceries on huge pallets. We are working, lifting things and carrying them from dark warehouses and quietly passing them on into the well-lit malls and hospitals. We might look insignificant in the face of the frontline, but we are the backline, working tirelessly to ensure those on the frontline never fall short of supplies.

Providing materials handling support to the frontline as the COVID-19 pandemic in India intensifies.

So to my doctor friend I say, while I know the risks, I also know my duty and if I were to fall in my line of duty, I am sure you will be there, well stocked to help.

I don't have a uniform which says "backline worker", so all I ask is not to be ridiculed or looked down upon for standing my post and doing my job.

I am stopped by police, questioned about who for and why. I sometimes get a lump in my throat as I try to explain: I am also just doing my duty. The only difference between me and my police friend is I don't have a uniform.

So let's move the next load, let's keep moving forward till ....


The forklift industry has shown so much resilience and adaptability in the effort to support the frontline throughout the pandemic. Do you have a COVID story or other thoughts about the blog? Share them with us.