Article by Pampa Pal Goswami

My Experience in the Lockdown Period

    My days in lockdown have been quitesimilar like others. I can say that, it opened my eyes to appreciate the small things we took for granted, for example meeting with friends and eating out together as well as the smallest things we might never had considered before, such as breathing. I dare to say the lockdown has strengthened relations within families.After a while, the reality of the situation started to sink in. Initially, I was worried about my studies, as my college was closed for days after days and there was no certainty about the reopening. But after a few days, my college had taken the lead to switch over to virtual classes using digital platform. Though I really missed my traditional classroom environment, yet these online classes made me happy and confident as everything is easily accessible in this pandemic situation. This may have drastic impacts on our future.
    Unfortunately, the novelty of being at home wore off and struggling has been started immediately after the lock down began. I was suffering from regular panic attacks being stuck and trapped at home for months. I had nightmares most nights and struggled to sleep for nights. I couldn't find a way how to deal with the situation. However, over time, I found ways to deal with the pressure. I realized that lockdown gave me more time to do the things I love; hobbies that had been previously swamped by the pressure of examination. I started drawing, writing articles and baking cakes and felt happy for the first time in months. I had forgotten how good it feels to be creative. I started spending more time with family and chosensocial media to create awareness about the need to quarantine. A month later, I felt a little better. I understood how difficult this must be to stay at home but it's very important to remember that none of us is alone. No matter how scared, or trapped, or alone you feel, things can only get better. This is also a time for reflection, for recognising that regardless of what we can or cannot do in such dire times, the one thing we can do is learn to be empathetic.We do not have a domestic help now, but I did call my maid who had worked for me earlier and came to know that they are getting dry rations and other emergency food materials from government as well as from social workers. I also started volunteering to do grocery shopping for my neighbours who are senior citizens and have chronic diseases. Once I donated hand-sanitizers, gloves and masks to those who cannot afford to buy these. It seems as if 'Kaliyug' is over and the age of 'Satayug' has dawned. The environmenthas become pollution-free. Also, equality has been achieved.There are no servants anymore, everyone is helping out in household chores in a spirit of togetherness. This lockdown due to COVID-19 has warned us that we are not the masters of the universe and this earth is not our private property. Never ever since the advent of humanity, the earth has been so genuinely secular and united just to survive and save itself. Everyone only worries about the most primordial need of food, shelter and clothing and wishing well to others. We are in a situation where we will be the ones responsible to determine the future of our existence. Our every action will be crucial and will ascertain our chances of survival. So, we must stand together irrespective of caste, religion, state, country, community, gender etc. by not standing together physically. Each individual is responsible for the entire human race as this will be remembered as a collective feature of humanity. The virus may go awaysomeday but let us not forget the lesson that mother earth has imposed upon us and sometimes these lockdowns are very much important and awaited for nature as well as busy human race.
    Currently I am doing online courses with some social works which will helpful for my career development. I am also making small and funny crafts and hearing more melody songs, which I love to hear. Though I still miss a traditional campus-based education and look forward to normal classes resuming. I am well stocked with rations and if things get worse, I have the wherewithal to stock up for another two months. I have the option of choosing among hundreds of books and films but crying about boredom is my privilege. But when I see people in serpentine queues lining up in front of volunteers distributing food, hands stretched out for that packet; or when I see humanity lying lifeless on roadsides, beneath flyovers or near rail tracks, I am gripped by a feeling of guilt. All we can do right now is to think of such people and make a contribution towards them for their survival. We must also stay at home, look after ourselves and our loved ones and look forward for a better future. Because "no matter how long the rain lasts, there will be a rainbow at the end."