Lockdown-4-Roorkee

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, 

Extended Doodling ?

Life in school has finally settled down to a somewhat regular rhythm of its own. A couple of teachers have gone for the annual checking of the answer scripts of the CBSE 2010 Exams, both Secondary and Senior Secondary. Lots of arrangement lectures for each class to the secondary level. Everyone is going through a gala time these days. The increasing heat, the stuffy air doesn't deter the spirit of the pupils one bit. They still have a vigorous game of football; some play basketball in the court in the shade of the sprawling tree opposite the chem lab. many a young man in white  peppered with grey  tunics, scatter across school grounds, with their colourful school bags ( knapsacks ! ) hung across their backs, making them stoop a little. And the tropical heat at its best.

The juniors newly arrived in the senior section, earlier forbidden to them, had crossed the football field, the road next to the Golf Club and  tried to have a go at the last of the berries; my eyes took in these sights, but my mind was on a different track. I realised this as I reached the class as a substitute teacher. The kids were told to do some constructive work which some did others didn't. However, my mind was struck with a wicked thought as my eyes observed, guess what ! Doodlings on the tables or should I say desks ! ! ! Gee whiz ! I had completely forgotten this even though I keep on reading them. Practically every class has them. Ichiforiax Doodliosis had struck the school kids ! (click 'read more"  4 details')

After the rather enlightening time in the class followed up by persuading a pupil to use his photographic device to capture these antics. And capture he did, on camera. Though the effort must have been quite a task, the job seems to be well done. You be the judge! The artist is unknown but this form of expression is not very ancient, on the contrary, it is quite a recent occurrence, which I believe has been passed down by some seniors. Though the worst part is, that no one, mind you none has had the fore-thoughtfulness of cleaning of the whole thing, even if not for cleanliness but for giving a chance to the upcoming artists to try their hand at this art form.