The Lockdown Diary- 2020

In these gloomy times, when is the future of almost every individual on this planet is uncertain, what is going on in my urban/middle class mind?

Well, as most of you must be aware about me- I am a 28 years old man who earns well and spends his average day mostly with technology and with a little dose of discipline. So, what I think of this Covid- 19 crisis? Well to be frank, it has not really affected me big time because I have a secure job and I am getting three meals a day.

Before, 23^rd March (since the day we started taking this pandemic seriously), I didn’t have a group of friends to hang-out with on daily basis, no love-life to please every-day, I am not a regular drinker so the absence of alcohol is not something that I cry over (Kudos to Navi Mumbai Municipal Office for keeping wine shops closed across the region) and definitely, I am not a health freak who miss going to gym or for a simple walking. In terms of my professional life, because I am banker and India’s Government has defined Banking as an essential service, so I am attending my office (Physically) on ‘alternate day’ basis. A little relief I would say! Ok a little confession from heart- I miss street food but as they (my mother) say “nothing comes over & above health”!

Conclusion- The long weeks of lockdown have not affected my life when I am in the mind of Tarun Lohani.

Now, when I switch on to my role in the society/ecosystem as an individual, then Yes, the on-going situation does affect me to a great extent. Yes, I am worried about my own future in the coming years because the affected people around me who will go jobless and dying with hunger may turn into the unwanted element of society which in turn will affect my civil life. And Yes, I do wonder at nights, about the way life around the planet has changed drastically. Also, I get deeply affected when I see visuals on news channels where small kids/infants are travelling miles & miles. And like many others around me, we start abusing Government/administration. May be, we should start accepting that they are also individuals who have a family and who are doing best of what they can. Here, I would like to pay my respect to all those cleanliness workers, medical support staff, doctors-nurses and police personals who are working around the clock to make sure the pandemic is in control and law and order is maintained.

Also, I would like to point out two incidents that are so disturbing. Many women across India have reported domestic violence on daily basis. This is one of the major reasons apart from Health as to why I would like Government to ban Alcohol till this pandemic is in existence. Fun of men should not be a burden on a woman’s respect, freedom and integrity. Second, why can’t government simply identify and shoot all those who have allegedly attacked medical staff/police personals across India. Trust me, as a society we won’t miss such bastards. Let their religion or caste be any, their acts have cleared defined them. 

You know, now that I am writing this, I am also smiling to myself from the fact that this article is so late. I mean this is the last week of this phase of lockdown and suddenly it comes to my mind that I should write something about what is happening around my life.

PS- Kudos to the GoI for tackling this pandemic in such an advanced manner and with top level professionalism. Yes, I know many daily wage labourers who were travelling back to their home state died along the way and many pregnant women had to deliver in worst of conditions but hey let’s clap for what is worth appreciating. I mean as ‘Indians’, we often abuse and criticize our government and compare it to the likes of USA and UK but here I would like to mention a few incidents that have left me so astonished and infact it is a laughable. 

I am sure that almost all of you are glued to news updates these days. Is it not funny how the mighty POTUS is reacting to this pandemic situation which has already claimed million of lives in his own country? Come on grow up! 

King Of Blame-Game or The Kid Who Never Grew?

And second, the great PM of UK who was most recently in news for divorcing his ‘Indian origin’ (crazy Indian media) wife. Oh, I don’t care the number of divorces he goes through, that’s his personal life. What makes me laugh in the context of Mr. Johnson is that he got COVID affected! Come on man, are you so stupid that you can’t keep yourself safe? You are a leader for the citizens of UK and this is something least expected from you.

Long Time Ago, I lost my twin brother in America, yeah same pumpkin face....Aaawww!!

Anyway! Having said some harsh words for these two ‘leaders’, I wish speedy recovery to the affected and good health to the warriors who are fighting against this pandemic, across the globe. May we have a vaccine soon!