Lockdown-4
Go Green. Hip,hip hurrah!
The district of Hardwar, Uttrakhand has been given the status of Green amidst the Covid-19 precautions and relaxations. The restricted freedom, bestowed on us beleagured citizens, is being celebrated albeit with caution. On the flip side there are areas in many states which are still under strict restrictions being given the RED ZONE tag. Soon, they too should be revelling, but if the restrictions are followed to the T.
In the area that I live, in the home my ancestors made 150 years ago, along with my family, had to shut down completely. Although our houses are back to back with hardly any space in between, with everyone knowing everyone, it was difficult initially. However, the gravity of the situation , the handsome cane of the law and the compulsion of survival, compelled all to fall in line. Initially, like little kids who are told to do this and do that, they revolted (which is a very normal reaction to authority) and took to the streets as if life was normal. The scenes that I witnessed were like something from the "Planet of the Apes", wherein Caesar, though caged longed for freedom even in the restricted area that he and his fellow apes were allowed in.https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2472384/all-the-planet-of-the-apes-movies-ranked
Just imagine that! The peole failed to see the invisible domed cage enveloping the very lives of each. It was unthinkable that one is free yet freedom would be restricted. And how quickly humans adapted to it. Soon, streets were deserted and we were untouched so far by this endemic whilst all over the country infection was takeing it toll with many dying. Yet, to us, it seemed a far off thing. For, we felt secure and followed the norms in these extraordinary times, although, the news flashes on the idiot box showed that the grim reaper was at work.
There was no sirens wailing, no medical attendents looking like cosmonauts around us. This invokes to the mind the movie Contagion (2011). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1598778/ .
The initial shock had worn off. The hasty and for-the-camera distribution of food packets had by now trickled down to nothing. The fact that such benevolence could not be sustained for long hit all of us, which no doubt, was bound to happen. It appears that the locals had little problems to scream about. The brunt of the lockdown was felt by the migrant labour. Their condition was really bad. They are the ones who got sucked into the vortex of suffering: lack of work ,food and shlelter. On social media much is talked about, much is shared, But coming to brass tacks, we all did our bit in hwatever way we could, especially this month being Ramadan, in which, alms are given, food is distributed among the have-nots.
Our district has been given the green status in this lockdown-4. This has had a effective affect on all here. Life is slowly, but surely limping back to narmalcy, Of course this will take some time though. Places of mass gatherings still remain closed. On the whole, work has started, restaurants have been allowed to make home delivery, barbers are back to work. The roads and streets are busy with a little traffic, shops are opening on alternate days. We are happy for us, but sad for those migrants. Let us all pray things will improve for them too!
How about you and your area?
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay Blessed.
Till next time,
