7 months down the line after Covid-19 struck; people are still struggling to cope with the new normal. Reminiscing about the life we
had before, things we used to do and things we could have done better; are
constant companions in my thoughts, as may be in the case of other people too.
As economies, industries and businesses across the globe are
reeling under the pressure of the Covid-19 induced lockdown and the subsequent
financial trauma; it is prudent for us to take steps to tide over this
unprecedented situation.
People have relocated, lost jobs, and millions also have
been furloughed for an unspecified amount of time & are desperately
clinging on to hope and thinning finances with absolutely no clarity on the
future.
As Government’s across the globe are taking drastic measures
to contain the pandemic, human lives are on the edge by the day. Holed up
inside the relative safety of our homes and safe jobs; keeping ourselves updated
about the situation through the internet and news platforms and speculating
about the grim situation is way different from facing an uncertain future.
As I set out to travel to Kochi for an upcoming project of
mine after 7months, I came face to face
with the ground realities and got a glimpse of some of the problems faced by
the less fortunate ones.
Unavailability of sufficient trains and other modes of mass
transport systems people are forced to fly to reach their homes, to their loved
ones, or to any jobs or opportunities they get their hands on in a desperate bid to
survive.
A gentleman who was seated next to me in full PPE KIT told
me he was going to Kochi as he’s got a work opportunity there. He a carpenter
by trade and his two sons were relocating to Kochi, as works in Bombay were not
starting up due to Covid-19 and they had huge family back in UP they have to
fend for. I realised sitting around and waiting for the situation to
drastically improve was not an option for many even during this pandemic. The last
time I checked the cases were on the rise in Kerala too, so how long he will be
able to sustain his job there is also a thing to ponder on.
The bustling Mumbai airport had a sombre air about it and the
usual chirpy, laughter and banter filled mood was missing from it. People were
silent with forlorn expressions on their faces and my mind wandered to think
what was going on in their minds at that moment.
As vigilant airport staff, security personnel and flight crew,
all of them in PPE Kits, face shields, masks and gloves helped us through our
procedures, it felt as if the entire thing was a set straight out of a Sci Fi
movie that mirrored a very weary sentiment as if we were being flying into or ushered
into an uncertain future.
After a very silent flight we landed at our destination and
as people slowly moved on to get the baggage’s and do the documentation procedure
near the exit for entry into the state; sort of an internal immigration
procedure due to the Covid-19 protocols set by the state, we walked to proceed
with our onward journey.
I couldn’t help think what will happen to all of us, if
things don’t come back to a controlled scenario in the coming months or are we
looking forward to a bleak uncertain future.
Hoping that everyone stays safe and sound. Till we meet again.
do svidaniya!!!
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