When the Prime Minister had requested people for Janta curfew on Sunday, March 22, we had an inkling that this was just a dress rehearsal for things to come. But yes, I was not prepared for it to continue from then itself to complete lockdown till 31st March.
The advantage of staying in a tier 3 city has been that the novel coronavirus has taken time to reach us. Being in Jharkhand obviously added to the delay in the spread.
Of course, we cannot be very sure whether the delay was actually because it took the virus to travel to this place or because the government has been reluctant to test cases.
The Janata curfew was a welcome step because people here have been taking things very lightly.
Making and forwarding jokes on WhatsApp is one thing but following them in life is different. And that too when, being part of the community, you are putting other people’s lives at risk as well.
I was really pissed off seeing other people’s behaviour because this city is full of retired engineers and technical people and one would expect more mature behavior from them.
For one, the population majority is above 60 and hence more at risk.
Second, being educated means you should be able to understand the basics.
Doctors world over have been explaining the importance of meeting less people, and that too less enthusiastically, in very plain and simple terms. But still people were preferring to go on with their life as usual.
In fact, they could be seen jostling in the bi-weekly vegetable market on Saturday, the eve of Janata curfew, to stock on vegetables.
It wouldn’t have taken people much to restrain themselves on seeing people in such close quarters. Self isolation, or self discipline I would like to call this.
But still I was shocked and then indignant when I heard the news on radio, television, and read the government notice on WhatsApp.
Why indignant? That too when I claim to be an educated person who realises the importance of self isolation!!
Because I felt that I was doing my part by limiting my movements outside the house, keeping it to a bare minimum. Plus, being the homemaker, I could imagine the hundred problems that would erupt due to lockdown.
But then, I realised that I am nothing but a part of this community which is under threat. If I have been enjoying the perks of this community like good people, good environment, quiet surroundings that allow me to relax despite the work, I must be its part when it is under threat.
Unfortunately, my community also fails to recognise the criticality of the situation and hence I must bear the brunt of the government coming down heavily.
Of course, this is just the first morning and my whole family is still in bed. I cannot tell if I would be able to continue this state of mind as the day progresses. And as days pass.
But, I promise to continue keeping a record of this here. Not for anyone else as much as for my own sake.
I could have maintained a personal diary or a journal to jot down my thoughts. But when I put it out for others to read, despite feeling vulnerable I also feel camaraderie with you readers. That you understand what I feel, that you might benefit by my experiences.
Meet you soon. Stay safe till then.
