Lockdown Diaries_v2_opc1_31.12.2020_12.50

LOCKDWN DIARIES 2.0 1st Paperback Edition Impish Lass Publishing House Published: 2020 Copyright: The Impish Lass Publishing House LOCKDWN DIARIES 2.0 is a work of fiction. The names, incidents and characters portrayed in it are the product of the authors’ imagination and their personal experiences and opinions. Any resemblance with actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without the written permission of the authors. It is the writers’/poets’responsibility to ensure that their WORK is free and clear of any counts of libel, plagiarism, breach of privacy or misrepresentation of facts. The Publishing House is not responsible for it. The writers can be challenged in Mumbai High Court in case of plagiarism. Cover page design by Yutika Bhansali and cover pic by Neeti Parti. Printed at The Impish Lass Publishing House

CONTENTS 3 5 NEETI PARTI Discovering Dawn 8 Brooming Beats 10 S.KRISHNA KUMAR Finding the Strength Within 13 Untapped Talents 15 SHUBHA SAGAR Rediscovering Ourselves  17 Collective Prayers 18 DR. SEEMA SRIVASTAVA Solace through Prayerst 25 Healing, Hoping through the Holocaust 29 DR. VINITA NARULA Just Being 31 Quarantine 2020 APARNA BHAT 36 Irrecoverable Loss DR. (MAJOR) NALINI JANARDHANAN Prayers Answered

DR. BISHAKHA DAS 40 A Step to Spiritual Life:Lockdown Memoir 45 KIREN BABAL Shoulder to Shoulder 48 ZEYD LADHA 51 Independence in Lockdown 55 PRANITI GULYANI 58 To be Worried About  Lockdown: The Opening Within 63 NISHA TANDON 67 Myriad of Emotions 69 SUJATA SENGUPTA 73 Resilience 75 DR. M NAVANEETHA SRINIVASAN 80 A Ray of Hope Has the Lockdown ‘Knocked down your Normal Life?’ NEHA GUPTA Meeting with Self I Too Exist SONAL JHAJJ Look beyond Imperfections

AARTHI V KARANAM 85 Look Within 89 ABHINANDAN BHATTACHARYA 91 Inara 96 ISHANI BEHARI 101 2020 – I will remember 106 SHEILA BHATTACHARYA 108 Pandemic – Nature’s Jumanji Game 113 MADHURI GODBOLE 115 MUSINGS…..Pandemic Part 2 119 KOMAL GUPTA 123 The Way Ahead BHAGVATI RAMAKRISHNAN When the going gets tough, the tough get going Fervent Prayers DIVYA VENKATESWARAN Voices of the Pandemic DOMINIC ARIVARASU MATHIAS Practicing being present in the present DIPIKA NAYYAR A new Learning, A new Norm

RAMESH MAHADEVAN 128 A journey discovering my Inner Self 133 HEMA NAIR 135 Fortitude Potential Unleashed 138 PAVITRA PURI 140 Happiness 144 PARVATHI RAMACHANDRAN 147 Lockdown Learnings 149 SHANTI CHANDRASEKHAR 150 Why fear when God is here Faith 155 VAISHALI CHANDORKAR CHITALE 158 A Poet to the Rhyme Born Chasing my Dream 162 SHEELA S IYER Heals your Mind and Body AVNI NAIR My little World of Puppetry YUTIKA BHANSALI A Dash of Exploration

PRIYANKA SHARMA 165 Rise and Shine 167 SHWETHA RAMACHANDRAN 169 When Distance seeks Intimacy 172 SUJATHA SANTHANAM 174 Life on a Pause 176 DR. SANAM VASEEM SHAIKH 179 Perennial Climbers 182 YAMI SHAH Unscrambled Love for the Scrambled ANIL KUMAR PRAJAPATI Introspection Power NUPUR SENGUPTA Lockdown Gift MEENA MISHRA Long Drive Disclaimer: This Ebook is a compilation. The compiler and publisher do not assume any responsibility for any/all errors of grammar or spelling and hereby disclaim any liability.

LOCKDWN DIARIES 2.0 New Learnings

NEETI PARTI Neeti Parti is an educationist, a prize-winning poetess and writer, an exhibited artist, an editor. She is the Pan India Education Director of a renowned chain of schools. As Founder Principal of a well reputed Senior Secondary School, she received the ‘Award for Best Upcoming School in Uttar Pradesh’. She has contributed to more than forty anthologies, edited four and compiled three. She received ‘THE BEST NEW EDITOR AWARD’ from Impish Lass Publishing House, ‘THE WORDSMITH AWARD 2019 and 2020’ Certificate of Excellence for English Poetry from The Asian Literary Society, the ‘PRASSANA JENA MEMORIAL AWARD 2019’ Certificate of Excellence for short story writing, ‘SAGAR MEMORIALAWARD 2020’ Second Prize for Children’s Literature’, and ‘LITEROMA GOLDEN STAR AWARD 2020’ among other laurels. She is an RJ and a television artist. She is a keen environmentalist associated with many ‘green causes’ and loves nature photography. She lives in Gurgaon, India and believes that: ‘When the Universe smiles, a child is born, nature’s greatest tribute to itself!’ 2

DISCOVERING DAWN Employed straight after college, the workaholic in me had never stopped. Multitasking as an army officer’s wife, as head of the household, managing relations and emergencies, single parent most times, for four score years and more it had been a race against the clock. Off to work early, I would catch fleeting images from my driver’s seat - of tea ‘sippers’ in the balcony, leisurely walkers among the greens, yoga enthusiasts, laughter clubs, joggers and what not…. I had No time for that – not me….. Then came the epidemic bringing a lockdown in its wake and helped me in ‘Discovering Dawn’! Incensed breeze blows through the trees Awakening the five senses And the soul within Ah, what unparalleled bliss! The sky tuns a gentle pink As the sun peeks through Like a newlywed bride blushing While stealing a look at her soulmate A black swallow tail butterfly With flame coloured spots flutters past Leading my eyes to an exotic sight of the purple sunbird Metallic blue with maroon feathers on the breast Both land on a sea of petunias Under the lilac flowers of the Jacaranda While the Laburnum sways in sunlight Trying to entice with its cluster of glittering gold 3

I spot a cumulus passing by Framed against the sun It lights up magically Its gently curved edges irradiated The azure blue sky is illuminated with a message celestial: ‘Every dark cloud has a silver lining’ Believe in the Divine And keep Faith alive!  Pic: Neeti Parti 4

BROOMING BEATS Battery charged; ear plugs on Where’s the broom And the mop? Let me put the music on ‘Teen taal’ is my beat of choice Ready to clean and to swap Let me sing and lend my voice As I cleanse every spot Sixteen beats Will be the rhythm loop Of the song And my sponge ‘Dhaa dhin dhin dhaa’ Sweep, brush, clean and wash ‘Dhaa, dhin dhin dhaa’ Scour, scrape, scrub and rake ‘Dhaa tin tin taa’ Wipe, dust, whisk and rub ‘Taa dhin dhin dhaa’ Polish, rub and I buff Dust in my home is none The rhythmic melody is done Blemish free is my abode At peace is my soul! ‘Musical Cleaning’ 5

S.KRISHNA KUMAR S. KRISHNA KUMAR from Dombivli, 64 years young, a retired Vice-President (Finance) of a reputed IT company and an Ex-Faculty Professor for management students, is not only a media writer, freelancer and an author but also a social activist, dramatist and actor. As a media writer and freelancer for over 46 years, he has got over 3000 articles & write ups published in various newspapers and magazines . He has won many awards for best letters and articles from the media. As a stage artiste for nearly five decades, he has written, directed and acted in over 150 dramas & plays and has won acclaim and appreciation and awards for his stage performances. He has also featured in a brief role in a Hindi film which was released a couple of years ago. He also participates in the popular talk shows of TV channels and indulges in public speaking. He has participated in over 35 shows of CNN-IBN, NDTV, NDTV Profit, Times Now and so on. He has been widely interviewed by all sections of the media for his multi faceted roles and activities. He was the Citizen Journalist of CNN-IBN, through which he had highlighted and resolved many civic issues. 6

Being a good orator, he is regularly invited by schools and colleges to be the judge and moderator for their college events and debates. He is a music buff too. S. Krishna Kumar is the Executive Editor of The Impish Lass Publishing House & one of the award winning editors. He has edited & compiled and written in seven anthologies for the ILPH, so far (Are We Mere Spectators, Meticulous Men of Mettle, Jamboree Jubilation, Speak Your Mind (which was sent to Hon’ble PM and a letter too received from the PMO), YES BOSS, Hat Tip & The Travellers’ Diary). And, is now editing the eighth anthology- “The Trying Times”. Besides, he has contributed enlightening and interesting articles for anthologies of ILPH, edited & compiled by other editor colleagues viz: The Teacher I Will Never Ever Forget, Life On Track, The Eternal Flame, Divertidos Moments, From Antiquity to Independence, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Colour My World Green, Dating After Death & Living with an Empty Wallet. 7

FINDING THE STRENGTH WITHIN Senior Citizens’ Plight As the lockdown period gets extended, month after month, people are made to stay indoors for safety. At the outset, let us accept that the \"Lockdown\" was essential considering the spread of the deadly virus and also the death rate. Our state of Maharashtra and especially the city of Mumbai and metro regions were very severely affected. In fact, the situation has not much improved but is still grave. To mention in brief, we all know that it has been a very tough time for our government and several administrative authorities, doctors, nurses, paramedical and other staff, municipal staff and workers, police officers and staff toiling day in and out, bank staff and many service oriented NGOs and social activists. Hats off to everyone! But, I find this long stretch of lockdown had taken a heavy toll on elderly and senior citizens, sick and the handicapped who were having no other family member but were utilising the services of regular maids for long. But, due to lockdown, these category of citizens had to undergo lots of difficulties as they had to themselves do all the household jobs, with no helping hand. End of the day felt extremely tired and sick too. And left to fend for themselves again the next day morning. Besides, they also managed to go out for purchase of necessities. In some locations, home delivery of even medicines were not done. Yes....safety was of paramount importance as one could not take the risk of having maids at home for a longer duration. The housing societies too did not want to take any risk and hence instructed the members to either desist from engaging their maids or take them in for jobs at their (members’) own risk and cost. In many societies, no initiative was taken to help at least very critical, sick, senior and even octogenarian citizens who stayed alone or with just one member. 8

After several months, the government relaxed the norms to allow maids to work at the homes of very senior and sick citizens. But ensuring that safety norms are fully followed and that the maids do not take long hours but finish at least the basic jobs and leave sooner. This is now helping the senior and elderly citizens to a great extent. Many have been however, paying their long time maids their full wages though they could not go for any household work. Yes, in many cases even maids/helpers themselves were/are scared to come out of their places of stay and visit homes of very regular clients, fearing whether they would catch the virus if the work-area happens to be an ‘infected one.’ My octogenarian Mom managed to carry on with her daily household chores on her own for over 5 months atleast. By God's grace she is quite energetic and still managing many things by herself. Only recently the maid started coming for regular work & my mother could atleast relax for some time in the day. With the festive season beginning, let us all pray for the early restoration of normalcy, healthy and peaceful days ahead. Loka Samastha Sukhino Bavanthu !! 9

“UNTAPPED TALENTS” (a)……Of RETIRED MEN…… \"Mahabharata Period\" :- When the Pandavas and Draupadi were sent into exile for 12+1 years, Draupadi was extremely worried about her capability to feed all of them, particularly the mighty Bhimasena. Krishna understanding her plight gifted her the Akshaya Patram. Or the ‘Evergiving Vessel’. As long as someone was hungry and needing to be fed, the Patram (Vessel) would keep on producing food. Come to Circa 2 0 2 0 :- I know this to be true because I too have an Akshaya Patram. Only in this Kaliyuga it got a bit lost in translation. My Akshaya Patram is my kitchen sink. As long as I am washing, it will go on producing Patrams (vessels.... ). Just when I think I have finished the last one, it will produce one more, even if it is just one spoon. It's a gift that goes on giving….to keep you tied up with vessels-washing …..!!! Since retired, the lockdown period has exploited my “talents” not only in washing the vessels but also in cutting vegetables and many routine kitchen jobs, drying and arranging the clothes and so on ! Above all, I could try my hand in growing a neat beard, skillfully trim it and keep a ‘handle bar’ moustache ! So talents indeed naa…..!!! 10

(b)……of BACHELOR BOYS !!!!! So....this Lockdown period of over 7 months ....has proved to be a blessing to many youngsters -- especially bachelor boys .... as by now they all would have mastered their skills in cooking, washing utensils, clothes, making provisions available, maintaining overall house-keeping / home making, hygiene etc. in a systematic manner . Hats off to you all !! Now comes the next phase in your life.... You will now have no worries in finding your life partner ( a girl....I mean !!!). In the pre-engagement interview, you can now confidently brag that you have additional qualifications in cooking, home making et al and that you are a real master of all !! Tell me.... which girl would dare say ‘NO’ to you !! Ha….ha…!! Above all, you can also boast that you have a “long experience” of “Working From Home” – staying only at home for long ! Again tell me, will a girl not get ‘pataoed’ (sorry…happy !!!), when she is assured that her man will be by her side whenever needed, by ‘WFH’ & simultaneously make him “work AT home” so that she can relax, be relieved and be happiest forever !! Post lockdown period.....your (bachelor boys’) value in the marriage market goes up !! Keep it up !! Ha….ha…..ha !! S.KRISHNA KUMAR 11

SHUBHA SAGAR Shubha Sagar is an educator, counsellor, author, poet, Reiki Master and Tarot Reader currently living in Bangalore. She has contributed poems and short stories to over three dozen anthologies, has participated in poetry contests and won prizes for the same. She owes her passion for writing to her parents and wonderful teachers who instilled the love of the English Language in her. She has published two solo books, 'Heartfelt Poems' and 'Soul Stirring Stories, women with extraordinary spirit.' As an Executive Editor with The Impish Lass Publishing House, she has ‘Compiled and Edited’ NINE Books- has received two awards, the “Best New Editor’ and the ‘Best Female Editor’ A life-long learner, she believes in drawing inspiration from all around her. She may be contacted at [email protected] 12

Rediscovering ourselves and strengthening our bonds REDISCOVERING OURSELVES With echoes of the ‘New Year Cheer’ still ringing in the air, A tiny little virus descended upon the planet from nowhere And it threatened the entire world with its deadly charm, Almost disrupting life and destroying all peace and calm. It hit the world like an epidemic or a raging storm And soon social distancing became the new norm, Followed by the declaration of a complete lockdown, Which had life, mercilessly facing a major knockdown. Initially the lifestyle change met with a lot of resistance, Eventually building up everyone’s patience and resilience. For soon people rediscovered themselves and their potential, So much so that it seemed to be predestined and providential. 13

It was now time to do things one had always desired, Time to revive talent, pursue hobbies and get inspired, Time to relax and rejuvenate one’s body, mind and soul, To review and refresh every personal and professional goal. An opportunity for looking anew at every single relationship, Rekindling and strengthening family ties, reviving friendship, Above all, this was a golden time to deeply introspect and reflect, And relook into every aspect of life, we had begun to neglect. Our more frequent trysts with nature left us totally enchanted, Its pollution-free glory a reminder, that we had taken it for granted. All in all, this period of lockdown was one of great realization A period of discovering ourselves and that of self-actualization. 14

The Power of Prayers COLLECTIVE PRAYERS It all started with a friend requesting us to pray For a family member to keep his Covid 19 at bay. A group for collective prayers was thus born, With faith, hope, love and light which we did adorn. It was just the beginning of immense ‘caring and sharing’ Along with the pleasure of engaging in selfless healing. Soon there were more and more requests from those affected It was heartening to see bodies and spirits being resurrected. In such trying times for at least a few, bringing some hope, Putting in our little bit to help them with their situation, cope For each member of the healing group it was indeed uplifting, For offering prayers for the ones in need is the best form of gifting. Powerful and far reaching is the effect of collective prayers, Helping the healee and healer both in climbing spiritual stairs By establishing a connect between them and the cosmic energy, Helping them clearly recognize their oneness and their synergy. The healing touch can do miracles when offered selflessly, Helping those who are suffering, to endure it effortlessly When collective prayers are offered the healing gets amplified, And the cosmic connection between us all gets fortified. SHUBHA SAGAR 15

DR. SEEMA SRIVASTAVA Dr.Seema Srivastava, is currently a freelance academic and contributes to Impish Lass anthologies. A British Council scholar, she has studied at Universities of Allahabad, Cambridge, UK, and obtained Doctorate from University of Oxford, UK. She has been the ICCR- King’s College Professor, South Asian History, King’s College, London. Earlier she was Fellow (Reader) Centre for Contemporary Studies, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Teen Murti, New Delhi. She annotated, researched and edited the six volume ‘Letters to Chief Minister’s by Jawaharlal Nehru. She has considerable research and teaching experience in higher academia, and has published widely. 16

SOLACE THROUGH PRAYERS Tiny covid 19 virus has hit the world hard, Shaken powers that be, the socio-moral order, Giant markets, nervous, fearful, in freefall; Human civilizations beseeching Almighty’s mercy. Everywhere, the sufferings, pain, deaths, I see, I hope never ever again to see; I pray this deadly virus goes away soon, And never comes to haunt us again. This virus has dimmed the allure of our dreams, Days have become long, listless, lusterless; Even balmy, starlit nights cannot my spirits restore, Isolation enhanced by harassment, fear of dying alone. Whom to turn to? Since childhood I was taught, God is your truest and best friend; Entrust your joys, sorrows, dreams to him, Talk, seek his blessings everyday through prayers. This lesson stood me well; my sweet communions with God, Lighten my burdens, makes them bearable; My benefactor walks with me, shields, heals me, I feel calm, secured, peaceful, thus believing. Prayers imparts me faith, energy, resolve, Lightened my path, provided me courage enough, To overcome this dreadful covid scourge; In celestial glory I bask. 17

HEALING, HOPING, THROUGH THE HOLOCAUST The excitement of the New Year had barely subsided, when we heard of the sinister, deadly, tiny Covid 19 virus ravaging human lives. It first appeared in Wuhan, China, and soon spread across the world;- Iran, Turkey, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, England, its virulence now acute in USA, Brazil, India, Russia. Eighty four lakhs in India have been afflicted and over a lakh died. These turbulent months transformed the world order. Like the rest of the world India on 25 March 20, locked its billion population in complete, strict lockdown which stretched seventy, difficult days. Strong, healthy people suddenly caught cold, cough developed aches, fever, breathing trouble, suffered intensely. Whilst some recovered, many lost their lives. Covid 19 not only inflicts severe physical pain, long term debilitations especially on those with pre-existent medical conditions, but also wreaks immense psychological, emotional, mental trauma which enhanced due to loss of loved ones. Even those not infected by the disease are gripped by fear, anxiety, loneliness, bred morbidity, depression, borne of losing their vocations, material assets, family fragmentation. Not able to provision for family encouraged frustrations, violent behavior especially gendered violence increased manifolds, drove many to commit suicide. The failure of available medicine to cure diseases spurred people to turn to alternate treatments offered by religions, spirituality, which acquired special, powerful meanings across the world even. In India traditionally, religion spirituality played crucial, critical roles in alleviating physical, emotional nutritional distress. Temples, mosques, gurdwaras, akharas, Churches, had entrenched, structured mechanisms of ‘giving,’ ‘receiving,’ and were core centres of Dharma, bhiksha, seva, and civic life, constituted the bedrock, the institutional contexts for material, nutritional relief, spiritual, social solace, exchange; these commanded moral, social authority over local communities during calamities, which they still do. Whilst 18

doctors give scientific, rational verifiable explanation for Covid 19 occurrence, our rishis, sadhus, maulvis, sants, project the pandemic as ‘divine punishment,’ manifestation of ‘wrath of God,’ for the growing immorality, corruption, excesses human society. Seers across religions urged citizens to come to the path of righteousness, atone their sins; and heal themselves spiritually, through prayers, meditation, yoga, participate in virtual spiritual discourses, satsangs, group prayers, sermons. Thus during this pandemic people took to spiritual exercises, therapies, superstitions, with renewed fervor, an aspect of which is to help fellow humans negotiate, overcome their distress, hence spurt in spiritual, civil society activism. These provided a routine, focus, purposes, to daily living which helped overcome depression. Through history numerous observers, scholars including W.H. Sleeman, William Crooke recognized the co–relation between mental, physical, emotional well being and spirituality. Sleeman, described spiritual ceremonies, rites that were organized during epidemics by whole village communities to placate deities, ward off diseases, pestilence, famines, demons, curses, to tackle epidemics of haija (cholera), malaria. One such spiritual rite took place in Sagar in Central Provinces in 1832. Accordingly, ‘more than four-fifths of the people of the city had been affected by a violent influenza, which commenced with a distressing cough, cold followed by fever, aches and in some cases terminated in death.’ Then dowager Queen applied for permission for a noisy religious procession, ‘to implore deliverance from this great calamity.’ The rite entailed the creation of deafening, prolonged sounds, noise, by clanging of brass plates, pots, pans, beating of dhols, blowing of trumpets; those in the procession ‘had to raise their voices in psalmody.’A buffalo was purchased by general subscription and driven eight miles out of the city accompanied by such high, noisy fanfare. After this ceremony the influenza epidemic did subside. The Indian Prime Minister may have taken a leaf out of this sound therapy thesis, to contain the Covid 19 pandemic, 19

when he asked the nation to step outside their homes and clap appreciation for our doctors, paramedics, police and other personnels involved in patient care, by ringing bells, clanging pots, pan, thalis, blowing whistles, trumphets, dhols, mridungs, conch, such deafening noise, sounds, which the sound therapy emphasizes would wilt, kill, drive away the virus. Besides, across India Yagna’s and chanting of special prayers organized to ward off Covid scourge. Islamic countries as Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, even Turkey, encouraged muslims to believe that if they prayed five times everyday, recited the Koran, the disease would spare them. These countries rationalized their covid 19 case load was much lighter in comparison to their neighbor India, United States, and European countries, because of adherence to Islamic prayers, Koran recitation, forgetting that two hundred million Indian muslims who prayed everyday. The atmosphere of fear, anxiety, spurted spiritual group activism. Art of Living, SadGuru, Sai Trusts, temples, mosques, churches, gurudwara’s across the nation fed, cared, for the hungry, provided social, medicinal support, their toil saved millions across India. Organized civil, spiritual, activism spurted, enhanced community cohesion, belonging, set examples of sterling philanthropy, instilled hope. I am skeptical, questioning person, but on a day of severe emotional trauma, I turned to a Reiki prayer group, and five minute exercise for five consecutive days somewhat restored my spirits. Such spiritual exercises are ‘self care movements,’ which ally fears, anxieties, loneliness, thwarting violent behavior, imbue hope in humans, therefore invaluable psychological, moral supports. Pre –dating the pandemic, I have been subject to organized, covert silent violence, immense, intense emotional, psychological trauma which escalated manifolds during the pandemic. I am used to being by myself being single, live alone in an apartment in Prayagraj. But social isolation, loss of mobility, lack of physical exercise, not able to go out for airing, was trying for me. My situation signally compounded 20

in that two families in my residential complex, in collaboration with outside criminal groups have long sadistically enjoyed themselves by illegally accessing, controlling, monitoring my mobile phones, stealing data from two successive i-phones and a Samsung phone, and such data they used to harm me personally, academically by cutting my roots, spread abuse, hate of me, violate my fundamental right to privacy, to work, employment; they slur my feminine dignity, intimidate, create logistical difficulties and dent my support base. Infact, through control of my phone, internet, bugging my house, they have acquired an iron, coercive control over my life. They interject, cut off my conversations, switch on and off my phones at will. My phones and internet connection have become public, theirs. I felt helpless, frustrated not being able to connect to friends, family, neighbours when I needed to. Even accessibility to essential services like Police, Fire Brigade, nearby provisions store impeded. Essentials like milk bread, butter, were obtained with difficulty. Through control of my internet every word I write is unconstitutionally acquired by them. What I experienced was immense, intense, emotional, psychological harassment, abuse of my privacy. I could not get through even emergency police services- 112, even the area police station (Thana). I then complained, sought assistance from women’s helpline 1090. They informed me that their helpline rules had changed; that they no longer register complaints against women harassing women. If a woman is harassed by women, she has to go to thana and register the complaint. Strange rule for a women’s helpline! Lawyers advised me not to confront the criminals, get involved with police amidst the raging pandemic, its restrictions, the law courts being virtually shut, dealing only with the most urgent, important cases. I tried to highlight my situation to my friends, neighbours, the criminals –men and women, interject with ‘do not heed her,’ ‘she is always saying negative things,’ ‘these are lies,’ or she is ‘exaggerating,’ At their insistence, some ‘relatives,’ ‘friends,’ abruptly ended the conversation; the strategy is to 21

isolate me socially, not to let the harassment, truth, be known, publicized. In such a situation my solace was my communion with ‘nature’, ‘universe’. I confide my travails, harassment to the early morning rising sun, plants, flowers, trees, the chirping birds, the bees, the golden moon, twinkling stars. I named the culprits to them. Nature, universe (Bramhand), listened quietly, assimilated it all, never once rebuked or tired of listening. Nature assured me that its laws will prevail, turn its full might, fury on these predators. Meditation took me above worldly realms, and whilst nature connect did not heal me like a magic wand, it gave me peace, solace, softened the isolation from people who meant so much to me. My belief in spirituality, nature’s curative, retributive power made me emotionally self sufficient, helped cope with such carefully orchestrated silent violence which is true and ongoing. Dr. SEEMA SRIVASTAVA 22

DR. VINITA NARULA Dr Vinita Narula, w/o a colonel in the Indian Army, is a doting mother and a grandmother, an erstwhile associate professor and vice principal of Lady Irwin College, Delhi University, with 44 long years of teaching and administrative experience. Dr. Vinita Narula is the daughter of Mrs. Pushpa Sallan and Mr. Om Prakash Sallan. She was a student at Lady Irwin College from 16/7/1961-10/8/1966. She was the Ist Batch Gold Medallist of the Department. She joined as a faculty in Department of Food & Nutrition on August 11, 1966 and retired as the Vice-Principal, Lady Irwin College on August 31, 2010. She has authored 3 academic books, one published by the prestigious publishing house Orient Longman (now Orient Blackswan). The book sold so well that the publishing house had an annual celebratory party for it. She has undertaken numerous projects sponsored by International and National organisations like WHO, UNICEF, NCW, NCAER to name a few. She has had the privilege of conducting research for corporate houses like PWC! She has attended innumerable workshops and presented papers, given talks in her homeland and other countries such as USA, UK and Austria. She has been the President of Home Science Association of India (Delhi Chapter) and Executive member of the Lady Irwin College Alumni Association. 23

Recently she has begun to tread the literary path, and has penned poems and articles for ten anthologies. Her writings and poems have received accolades and she has received many an award at various poetry fora. Shebecameaproudrecipientofthe‘LIFETIMEACHIEVEMENT AWARD’ given by the internationally recognized poetry group ‘The Significant League’ in the year 2019. Just short of seventy five years young chronologically, she has seen it all, enjoyed it all and now loves to share it all, while keeping the flame of learning, burning bright. Her mission in life is to bring a smile to all and sundry through community work. 24

JUST BEING When the Covid 19 initially happened the anticipated period of a lock down was about fifteen days i.e. about two weeks. Ample advisories were circulated to stock up the family requirements in terms of dairy products, vegetables, fruits, cereal and pulses and other tit bits as per the choice of its members. The situation was pronounced as being dire. Having seen the earlier three wars of 1962,1965 and 1971, while being old enough and somewhat in one’s senses, the pronouncement did not really ring alarm bells. For, everyone in those times was cautioned by the state about the possibility of impending blackouts too and I vividly recollect that candles, oil lamps including lanterns were kept ready. Even the hooting sirens were blown and the requisite training was given in terms of instructions to be followed in such an event. Accordingly, in the month of March, 2020 larders were filled with sufficient food items like milk and other dairy products, vegetables like greens, tubers, bulbs and the frozen ones like jack fruit , peas, corn and mixed vegetable packets, many kinds of fruits with an abundant quantity of most favourite mangoes. Every product was appropriately stored in the freezer, refrigerator or outside as per its requirement. Groceries were checked for sufficiency and purchased for well beyond the suggested period. Toiletry items were remembered and procured too. Miscellaneous items like snacks, gums and candies etc. too were not forgotten. So all was set and I really looked forward to this secluded vacation opportunity that had never been experienced in life before. My list of ‘to do things’ was ready, heart was very warm with this anticipated compulsory full rest with the perfect scenario of just being with oneself devoid of any disturbance and/or distraction. However as the situation began to change, the danger surmounting, the period of isolation lengthening, the going began to get tough!! The television started proclaiming 25

the worsening of situation by the minute. The number of infections and the dead began to be counted and starting the statistical process got initiated. The government’s heads began to roll, no one seemed to know any better. Complete lock downs began to be announced, for short periods, the academic institutions getting closed down, market places began to be shut down on government order, transport system including the metro, buses, cabs, three wheelers and every other possible mode of movement got prohibited. Even worship places were not spared. Everyone whether the governed or governing was ill at ease, helpless, unaware, was groping in the dark. Rumour mongering had a field day. Each one began being a therapist. The most important messages of constant washing of hands with soap and water for a full twenty seconds frequently, or using alcohol based sanitizers if washing with soap and water was not possible, wearing masks, keeping a safe distance of at least six feet, remaining inside one’s own living area without even stepping out for essential chores, being totally prohibited became the norm, a total no no was to be used for outsiders entry into the premises too. Drinking of hot water and beverages too was a widely suggested practice and continues to remain so. Uncertainty and unpredictability playing its role has in fact has created a fear psychosis of sorts. Most people have learnt to do with bare minimums essential for sustenance, be it in terms of clothing, eating or any other commodities required to live. With a total ban on social interaction each, family unit has learnt to be self dependent be it in terms of cleaning the premises, doing the dishes, laundering, cooking or any other jobs that were always entrusted to outside helps. Talking about myself and possibly many of my age mates it has meant a totally different living scenario, self dependence having become paramount has naturally brought in extreme changes, which I will not shy away from calling ‘positive 26

and desirable ones’. For example never attempted chores like sweeping and mopping the floor gave jitters for the initial couple of days but got sorted out with the newly learnt use of long handled mops readily available in the markets and using all principles of manning the kitchen and doing the dishes as were taught in the Foods laboratories; which are wash the non greasy dishes first in the order of glass, cutlery, china and lastly the cooking utensils. Besides accomplishing these at the hour of one’s own choice and at one’s own convenience, seems to have actually lubricated the earlier rusted body joints and made them more mobile too. True to the proverb ‘need is the mother of all inventions’ many a new tricks and systems have been learnt as well! Lock down for such a long period is reported to have played havoc psychologically and emotionally for many people in the community because of never having experienced such a severe social isolation. The ones without hobbies per say seem to have been hit hard, ample steps have been suggested and also taken by well meaning social groups. Writing groups have flourished, poetry marathons have been held, prose and essay writings have become the norm. Webinars, conferences are happening online, videos are being made and shared – which seem to have turned into a boon for the general public, making each member of society tech savvy. Financial transactions turning digital too, seems to be major gain of this lock down period in terms of saving time, fuel and energy. The rat race seems to have slowed its pace, perceptions towards life itself seems to have shifted, one has had time to look inwards, becoming more calm, being more atuned to the happenings that are beyond anybody’s control whether rich poor, educated uneducated, young old, belonging to developed or a developing country, with more or less power, any profession, any region, any religion, all have been equated perfectly and brought to an absolutely equal playing field. All 27

have been taught to come down to ‘’JUST BEING’’, instead of ‘’ALWAYS BEEN DOING’’! Nature seems to have revived with flora and fauna hang regained their own spaces and all in all mother Earth appears to be a bit more happy!!! SMILING ALL THE WAY. Extremely proud of itself for having ultimately accomplishing what nothing else could to break the all wrecking RAT RACE. 28

I am sharing a poem of mine here as it seems to have become extremely popular, it has also been recited by a known personality of our times ‘ Vineet KKN Panchhi’ QUARANTINE 2020 Taking care of the universe is no simple game Failing to appease all constantly taking blame He took his stick to make the guilty tame Without any difference between a guy or a dame Had tried many ways and saw all go in vain Beyond many attempts misdoings still remained Continuing in nuisance yet making tall claims Enough was enough it was time to change For all boons no longer be converted to bane His glory his greatness no longer be turned to shame Rusticate all did he so roar Put every one behind tight closed doors Force each one to go within inside four walls Enjoy the mother Earth to your fill So he told flora and fauna all Pastures valleys O mountains so tall Glistening waves sands and its shores Urging man to go inwards and converse With your ever glowing souls DR. VINITA NARULA 29

APARNA BHAT Aparna Bhat is a secondary school teacher of English language and literature with a renowned ICSE school in Mumbai. Her career as a teacher has spanned 25 years in various reputed schools and coaching classes. A double post graduate with Masters in Education and English, she also holds a Master’s in Business Administration and has completed a certificate course of CIDTT (The Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers). Over the years she has developed a passion for penning down her thoughts, memoirs and experiences. She loves to write short stories, poems and small articles. She owes it to her parents, husband, children and all other acquaintances who have helped her in various spoken and unspoken ways to develop this skill. Her other interests are music, reading, painting, travelling and kathak. She can be contacted at [email protected] 30

THE IRRECOVERABLE LOSS Covid-19 the deadly pandemic has not only brought down the world on its knees but has also affected millions of people in many different ways. India the second most populated country of the world is just a part of the many countries affected. It has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and is an unparalleled challenge to public health, food systems and the world at work. The economies have collapsed. The social disruption caused by this pandemic is most devastating. Millions of people all over the world have lost on their jobs and have fallen into extreme poverty and many more on the verge of losing their secured jobs and life. Some have lost their near and dear ones, their secured life and many more. Children are affected due to change in the pattern of acquiring education. No one is spared by this unforeseen wrath. The world has become more virtual and make belief now. This being just a small speck of the innumerable losses which cannot be accounted, and still there is no hope of the vaccination being seen, even though we are having the most advanced medical technologies. Have we lost all hope? Are there no chances of change? Some questions still remain unanswered. In all this gambit and power play going around in the world, we people are the only losers, specifically the middle class society. Mumbai, the dream city of India, suddenly became the dreadful city to live in during the lock down. It was as if we were living in our own jail with number of rules and orders floated around by our authorities, off course for our own safety purpose. My family was also no different, adhering to the rules we had to carry on with our day to day lifestyle. One by one uncalled news started reaching our ears. Every day the news channels only showed the number of people increasing due to Covid-19. There was no stop to it. In all this humdrum, somewhere in the middle of May month I got a call from my brother. We had to get our mom admitted 31

to the hospital. She had to go through an angioplasty operation, on an urgent basis, for her leg. Her veins were clogged, and the small wound on her leg had turned into a monstrous hole which had to be treated urgently. I was shocked. Just the other day we had a hearty conversation, but mom never mentioned about this to me. The next morning, I immediately rushed to the hospital. As it was mandatory to get a Covid-19 negative certificate, to get her admitted, my brother had already done the formalities. The very day in the afternoon she was taken to the operation theatre. The operation lasted for well over three hours. Doctor told us that she had to be inserted with minute stems as her leg was very badly infected. It was difficult for the blood to pass smoothly through the veins. In that process they also discovered that her other leg was also more clogged and angioplasty of that leg was also necessary. She was brought into the ICU ward for recovery. I stayed with her to look after her needs. After two days she was discharged and we brought her home. She was in the process of recovery and was reacting to the medicines well. I stayed with mom, but had to return back after few days as my younger son was not keeping good health. Just within fifteen days, early Sunday morning I received a call from my brother. He informed me that we had to again get mom admitted to the hospital, and this time it was to get her other leg operated. She had to again go through all the ordeal of formalities of Covid-19 and other tests. Being herself from the medical background she was mentally and physically prepared for this turmoil. We had to again go through the same mental tension till her operation got over. This time they took more time to get her out of the operation theatre. She was in an unconscious state, looked tired and totally exhausted when she was brought out of the operation theatre. That night, she seemed to be very restless and could not tolerate the pain. I had a tough time taking care of her, as in her unconscious state also, 32

she would want to get up to visit the washroom. I felt horribly scared and did not know what I should be doing. Few times in the night I had to call the sister to check on her. Doctors had given strict instructions and had told us to not shift her operated leg or move it in any way. But time and again she would just shift out of the bed and keep on moving. She felt very restless as the pain was unbearable for her. I just couldn’t see her in this pain. Somehow, the night passed. The next day when the doctors arrived to check on her she seemed to be physically more tired and had a slight wheezing issue. After two days we brought her home. It was Wednesday. I stayed with her for two more days and had to return back to my home. On Monday morning my sister in law called to tell me that she had developed some breathing issues. So we had to arrange an oxygen cylinder for her, which would help her to ease out the pain while breathing. Sometime in the evening there were lot of complications seen. She was a diabetic patient her sugar levels had increased and we had to again get her admitted to a nearby local hospital. After the tests were done on her, the doctors told that her liver and kidneys are not working properly and she is becoming weak. There was lot of water retention in her body. Doctors made us aware about her health and told us that she was sinking and only prayers could help. Nevertheless, she was kept in the hospital ICU till Saturday morning and we could see considerable improvement in her. Doctors told us to take her home. At home, we had arranged for a full time nurse. She was appointed to take care of her and all her necessary medical requirements. We brought her home on Saturday. Sadly, I could not visit her as I was down with fever and body ache. At around nine o’clock in the evening I spoke with her on skype. She just glanced at me and gave me one of her ravishing smile. I terribly missed her. I had my own fear and an uncalled sense of sad and anxious feeling since I spoke with her. The next day was Sunday. As 33

usual I was busy with all my routine work. I was not expecting any call from anyone, but had decided to call my mom after I would finish all my work. Around nine o’clock, just as I was about to call, my mobile bell rang. I rushed to pick it up. My niece was on the line. She gave me the sad news, we lost her. Time stopped, I missed my heart beat. She left us. It was 7th of June, 2020. The irony of this incident was, she choose to leave for her heavenly abode on the same day of the week and time (Sunday, nine o’clock) as that of my father four years back, 26th September, 2016. We were in a state of tribulation. She was the whole world for my brother and me. This irrecoverable loss cannot be compared with any amount of wealth or fortune. You can get anything in this world, but one cannot find mother’s love and warmth once she is no more. That is why, as said by Cardinal Meymillod, “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” holds very much true. APARNA BHAT 34

DOCTOR (MAJOR) NALINI JANARDHANAN Doctor (Major) Nalini Janardhanan, is a Family Medicine Specialist who served in Indian Army Medical Corps as an Army Medical Officer in the rank of Major. She is a popular writer of Kerala who got Katha Award and a writer of many medical books for which she got IMA Sahithya Award. She is an All India Radio and Doordarshan approved artist of Ghazals and Bhajans [Light Music]. She is felicitated with many Awards for her contributions towards society as a Doctor, Singer, Writer, Army Officer and for her Social service. 35

PRAYERS ANSWERED This period of Corona Pandemic was a nightmare for us and we faced tremendous stress, anxiety and tension. Fear of death and fear of losing loved ones came into our mind when we heard shocking news reports of deaths due to Corona virus infection. But we took precautions, locked ourselves inside house and survived for so many months. We have also witnessed the miracle of prayers and thanked God when most of our friends and relatives recovered from this dreaded disease and its complications. Prayers can create miracles in life if we believe and trust in Almighty. There are so many examples all over the world where accident victims, patients of life threatening conditions and diseases like Heart Attack, Stroke, Coma, Cancer etc. recovered due to prayers by family, friends and relatives. Strong faith in God gives the devotee self-confidence and strength to proceed in life overcoming trying times and become a winner. Let me share the incredible story of a devotee in Kerala who recovered from paralysis due to God’s grace. The legend is about a famous mathematical and Sanskrit scholar of Kerala known as ‘Brahma Shree Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri’ who lived in 9th decade of 16th century A.D. (1559-1665). He belonged to a well known Brahmin family from a place called ‘Melpathur’ on the banks of the river ‘Bharatapuzha’. His father was also a scholar. Narayana became a scholar at 16 years, married the niece of his guru and settled in life. Later his guru Achyutha Pisharody was bedridden due to paralysis. The story says that unable to see his Guru’s pain, Narayana did Avahana, prayed and requested Lord Krishna to transfer his guru’s disease to his own body as Guru Dakshina. God granted his request and his guru was cured. But Narayana became crippled at a young age and no medicines could cure him. Then he visited the famous Guruvayur temple and prayed 36

to the deity Lord Guruvayurappan who was Lord Krishna Himself. Guruvayur temple is more than 5100 years old. The name Guruvayur is because of the legend that it is the two Devas Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu who brought the idol to this place. The chief architect of this temple was Viswakarma and the first worshipper was Brahma Dev. Guruvayur is considered as the Vaikunta on earth. The idol of Lord Vishnu here is seen as Lord Krishna with four arms carrying the conch, the mace, the discus and the lotus. Narayana also sent his disciples to a great devotee of Lord Guruvayurappan, Thunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, to request him about suggesting a remedy for his disease. But Ezhuthachan replied ‘Start with Fish’. Narayana’s disciples got annoyed hearing this suggestion to a vegetarian Brahmin. When they came back and told Narayana about this, he understood the hidden meaning of the message. He decided to write about Lord Vishnu and His various incarnations as described in Shrimad Bhagavatham, starting with ‘Fish Incarnation’ or ‘Matsya Avatar’. He planned to write about the incarnations in a series of Dasakams (groups of 10 shloka’s) as a condensed version of Shrimad Bhagavatam. Narayana reached the temple and started composing one Dasakam per day. Every day he sang 10 shlokas on Lord Guruvayurappan. Each set of those 10 poems or Dasakams ended with a prayer for cure of his disease. Thus he completed his composition in 100 days. On 27 November 1586, he finished the last dasakam with a line ‘ayurarogya sowkhyam’, which means the prayer ‘kindly grant me a long, heathy and happy life’. The 100th dasakam composed on that day gives a graphic description of Lord Guruvayurappan from head to foot in glory (kesadipada varnanam). And a miracle happened on that day. Narayana had a divine vision of the Lord in the form of Venugopalan and he was cured of his disease at the age of 27 yrs. He lived for 106 years. This book of shlokas written by him called ‘Narayaneeyam’ occupies an important place in 37

Sanskrit literature. It is a Sanskrit composition consisting of 1036 verses or shlokas which gives a summary of 18000 verses of the Bhagavata Purana. It portrays the complete life of Lord Krishna. It is concise and written in simple manner meant for the common people for whom it is difficult to understand the Hindu scriptures like Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads etc. He did not compromise the principles of the original text. The day on which Narayana dedicated this to God and he was cured of his disease, is celebrated every year at Guruvayur as ‘Narayaneeyam Dinam’ (Narayaneeyam Day). It is believed that this book is composed with the blessings of the deity of Guruvayur temple, Lord Guruvayurappan who is Lord Krishna. It is said to possess the power of healing diseases. Devotees believe that regular reading or chanting of these Sanskrit shlokas in Narayaneeyam helps them in leading a long, healthy and happy life (Ayurarogya Sowkhyam). I am a doctor by profession and also an ardent devotee. I believe that ‘Doctors cure but God heals.’ So along with giving treatment I always pray for my patients. And on a few occasions, I have witnessed the miracle of prayers. God sees every tear, hears every prayer and heals every pain. During the darkest and loneliest times of life, God says ‘Don’t be afraid. I am with you. I will walk this road along with you to the end’. My humble obeisance to God, the healer and the Ultimate Doctor! DOCTOR (MAJOR) NALINI JANARDHANAN 38

DR. BISHAKHA DAS Dr. Bishakha Das hails from Assam and presently resides in Delhi. She is a writer and a poet but particularly, a Linguist who specializes in the documentation of Endangered and Lesser known languages. She attends several national and international seminars of languages and linguistics and has number of research papers to her credit. She achieved her M.Phil. (Linguistics) from Delhi University and Ph.D. in Linguistics from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She did a certificate course in Chinese from DU and also qualified A2 level in French from Alliance Francaise de Delhi. Her first performance in poetry recitation was in French; and soon she was selected for recitation by a non-profit organization ‘Poetry Across Cultures’ to perform in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia. Herein starts her literary journey. Asian Literary Society, a Delhi-based literary community gave her a position of an administrator. Her poems and articles are published in many anthologies and journals. Most of her write ups are published from Impish Lass Publishing House. She has taken few years of training in Indian Classical music instrumental (Mohan veena) from Ravi Shankar Institute of music and performing arts. 39

A STEP TO SPIRITUAL LIFE: Lockdown Memoir The pandemic changed the course of life of the inhabitants of the planet. We restrained our movements to thwart the fiery transmission of the infectious disease owing to Corona virus. The lesser the contact with another fellow-being, the greater is the step to rescue a life – stands the general rule. So also, the more reductions in the exposures, there is likelihood of survival. And yet there was a huge toll in the death rates of the mortals much before they expected. The abrupt halt in our walks and the new etiquette of wearing a mask evolved. We were under a compulsion to decelerate the momentum of achieving our earthly desires. Our acquisitive impulses were cast down. We restrained ourselves within our homes. The government proclaimed ‘Lockdown’ for a specific period of time when the roads shunned the motion of feet and wheels. There came a reformation in our existence. The educational institutions drew up. My son who was an occasional visitor from his University hostel turns back to the comfort and security of home. Our home finds its true happiness. His essential presence was a constant yearning for a mother’s heart. The tough ways we cultivate to train ourselves to face the challenges of life. But the home often longs for its heir. Although the havoc ripped the neighborhood and regions across the globe, the home attempts to regain its cozy weather. This is a common experience shared by most mothers during the lockdown. This satisfaction although appears commonplace, was weighty to the depths of emotions. The feeling “we are together” in this hour of crisis – is a solace to our anxious mind. The year could not keep the promises made and the plans crafted. Hence, in many cases, the goals were not achieved. New ideas were designed working at many levels on the move. A virtual device solved many such impediments. The online classes, work from home, the webinars or the virtual conference or interviews were such novel changes. I too had 40

the experience of being on the screens in a virtual conference and online literary performances, so also witnessing similar such lectures and shows. We need time to bring reformation in our habits. Just as the new technique, so also the new ways of life were arduous for people. The much-loved practice of movements and activities in varied patterns and places whether walks in the mornings and evenings or, stroll in the parks and neighborhoods or, go on a binge, or spend evenings in malls and theatres – are either restricted to few urgent needs or being marked as blasphemy. My days were also equally shrouded with devastation and pain. The panic in my heart was no less. My life as a field linguist was often mobile as I worked on various places for collection of linguistic data. There used to be number of conferences and other social trips which kept me on the wheels. My life like many others came to a sudden pause. My occupation as a Field Linguist had various plans of documenting the languages of the indigenous communities, few were under progress. These studies took a new turn. Some in-depth studies could not be achieved, and yet some disparate learning finds prominence in my linguistic contribution. I build up a new chapter in my research findings. I started working from home and building Corona Information flyers in various indigenous mother tongue languages of Arunachal Pradesh – Tai Khamti, Wancho, Miju Mishmi, Taraon Mishmi, Singpho, Shertukpen, Khappa, Tutsa, Nyishi etc. I never knew that such huge data and information from various remote corners could be managed through mobile applications. My data took shape through end- to-end encrypted mobile applications. The interactions with the indigenous community are no more done physically but through telecommunication. This way I came in touch with many linguistic communities of that state. I could document their status of languages in varied forms. In addition, I had undergone academic publications which were waiting for some better time. My academic absorption prolonged and concurrently I also dipped my pen in literary expressions. 41

Such immersion could not keep my senses completely aloof from the soreness of the pandemic effect in our lives. The restrained life brought turmoil in our system. We experience discomfort and depression. The tumult in our minds is also due to the sufferings and demises of acquaintances and friends. The loss of lives created a void and keep reminding us the transience of our existence with an alarming note. I have seen death of my dear ones due to the virus. I have witnessed my friend’s length of fear for the pandemic to herself being affected, and till she breathed her last in the Covid ward. The series of circumstances occurred just within few days’ time. My restriction in indoors while the vicious state which lies outdoors brought restlessness within my system. I resolved to centralize my activities on the vital thing which I believe to prove my worth as a human being and my existence on this planet. Our birth in the form of human beings can only capable us to seek for salvation. Meditation became my essential mode of life. I started to practice twice everyday religiously. I was fortunate to go for a meditation retreat for the second time just before the lockdown. This strengthened my will and purpose of practising meditation. I also took initiatives in healing my friends and acquaintances of their low feeling through the power of meditation. The yearly rituals of my parents’ death anniversaries could not be organized in a temple amid the lockdown and thereafter the fear of transmission. And yet I could successfully accomplish the ritual through day-long meditation and observing silence. Practicing meditation is an attempt to keep our minds equanimous of the ephemeral nature of occurrences in the universe. Nothing is permanent. Hence, the bad times will follow good times, life will follow death and vice versa. It is also liberation from craving and aversion which lead us to a contented life. My lockdown days made me experience life in different modes and hues. I could penetrate into many aspects of my life in general and my varied interests in particular. Being 42