Category: Lok Issues

JEE Main

‘I Am Happy, Govt Decided To Hold JEE Main’

By LokMarg

Shreya Vyas (18), an aspiring architect, narrates her anxiety before taking JEE Main and the unprecedented safety measure at her examination centre in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

When the pandemic first broke out, no one had anticipated that it would last so long and things would change so much. But nearly six months into the pandemic, we students have made peace with the fact that we will have to move ahead with the uncertainty.

I wish to study architecture post high school and though there is a National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), one needs to rank well in Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main for admission into a reputed college. This year, I appeared for my Class 12 Board exams just before the lockdown was announced. First, our results were postponed and later there was much confusion about holding of JEE Main. I am glad the government decided in favour of holding JEE-NEET.

I took JEE on September 1. Coronavirus made it different this year. I live near the Cantonment Area in Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh) and my exam centre was quite far. Earlier, vehicles would be allowed right up to the gate of an exam centre but due to contraction fear this year, we had to walk to the centre from quite a distance.

ALSO READ: ‘Online Classes Totally Drain Parents’

There was also heavy police deployment to ensure social distancing measures. A temperature check was done right at the gate before allowing us inside. We were asked to take off our masks and replace them with new masks at the exam centre.

From the main gate of the campus to the exam hall, we had to sanitise our hands three times. Even the pen we used for the exams were provided by the centre. The exam halls had also been thoroughly sanitised.

I believe we need to be cautious but not be scared. Having taken all prescribed hygiene measures, I wasn’t scared about the pandemic as much as about faring well in the exams. While the preparation for the exams were stressful given the confusion before the exams, I heaved a sigh of relief at the end of my exams. I am passionate about architecture and thus had studied really well for the exams.

ALSO READ: ‘Covid Has Taught Us Valuable Lessons’

It is in the hands of our generation to rebuild our society ravaged by the pandemic. I believe that because of Covid-19, the field of architecture too will see major changes and we will have to adapt quickly to those changes. We may have to go back to the architecture of old times where natural light would flow in, where houses and offices were extensions of people’s personalities. The lockdown has taught us all the importance of our homes; how these four walls can either turn into a safe haven or a prison.

During lockdown Shreya painted wall of a relative’s house

I am now taking another exam on September 12 and I hope to get through a good college and follow my dreams. Thanks to my banker parents, my childhood was spent shuttling between cities/towns and thus the idea of one particular rooted space that I can call home appeals deeply to me. In my free time, I even painted one whole wall of a relative’s house by myself. That’s how much I love the idea of housing. Architects ‘build’ houses, people ‘build’ homes; together we ‘build’ societies.

Covid Care

‘It Was Hard To Get A Hospital Bed For Covid Care’

By LokMarg

Geeta Shintre (43), a homemaker in Mumbai city, narrates her month-long battle with Coronavirus, which also ruined her 25th marriage anniversary plans

This year, we were about to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary on May 12 when Coronavirus became the third wheel and ruined our plans. I developed high fever on May 8. My husband took me for a test at a camp immediately.

Apart from running his cable business, my husband also plays an active role in the social arena. He had been helping authorities as well as common people during the pandemic which is why he had a fair idea about how to go about things and didn’t panic. He had also been following all the measures and precautions etc. However, that didn’t make things easy for us.

After testing positive I was sent to the Kalina IT Park at Santa Cruz for quarantine. The facilities were good. My fever subsided but by May 15, I started having breathing issues. For two days, I was kept under observation and on May 18 the doctors advised that I needed to be admitted to a hospital.

ALSO READ: ‘I Not Only Fought Covid-19, But Stigma Too’

Thus, not only did I spend my 25th anniversary away from my husband, I was also left wondering if I would ever get to see him again. My son was also away in Chennai. The pandemic was raging and Mumbai was the worst hit.

On May 18, my husband and I first went to Cooper Hospital in an ambulance provided by the quarantine facility but there were no beds available. Next we went to 7 Hill Hospital at Andheri around 10.30 am. My temperature as well as oxygen level was normal, so I was denied a bed there. For 2.30 hours nothing moved and I was feeling extremely suffocated while waiting inside the ambulance.

We next asked our contacts to help us and then with great hope drove towards Nanavati Hospital. The same story was repeated there too. By this time, the ambulance driver was getting restless because he had to return to resume duty. We let him go and finally reached Nair Hospital in our own car. Thankfully, I was given a bed but by then my condition had worsened. Finally, my treatment started around evening in the fourth hospital.

Geeta Shintre with her husband

My second test came positive as well. I was finally discharged on June 5. So, I spent nearly a month away from home. My extended family had been taking care of my husband all this while. I must admit that I still suffer from breathing problems even though I don’t have coronavirus anymore.

ALSO READ: Virus Is There But The Fear Is Gone

We consulted various doctors until one doctor diagnosed that breathing problems were stress-induced. He counselled me and advised us to keep an oxymeter handy. I was supposed to consult a doctor if the oxygen level ever went below 95. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. But I did lose around 10 kg of weight in this ordeal.

First of all, to enhance my mental health I have stopped watching news altogether. My son has also finally been able to reach home. We enjoy and laugh a lot and also regularly keep in touch with our extended family and friends through digital mediums. Community interactions and support are very important to build immunity. Thankfully my 53 year old husband and I will be able to celebrate another anniversary together.

Quota

Watch – ‘Job Quota For Locals Pushes Statism, Negates Equality’

By LokMarg

After Madhya Pradesh government promised to bring a law to ensure state government jobs to be reserved for local youth, LokMarg sought its reaction from young job aspirants in MP and neighbouring states.

Most of them roundly critisised such a step, which they called discriminatory, anti-Constitution and one that would promote regionalism. At a time when people were losing jobs, such protectionist policies by states like Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and MP will only create rifts in society, they said in one voice.

Watch the video:

‘I Not Only Fought Covid-19 But Stigma Too’

By LokMarg

Piysuh Kumar Singh, 34, who had a lung problem since 2018, his pregnant wife and ageing mother all contracted the virus at the same time! It wasn’t an easy journey for Singh who also felt stigmatised at some of the places

My name Piyush means amrit (nectar), the fluid that makes one immortal. But when I contracted Coronavirus, I had to battle hard for life. It is said that this virus is fatal for people who have pre-existing health conditions. Unfortunately, I checked quite a few boxes on that score. I suffered from a lung problem called pleural effusion in 2018 and had to be in hospital for nearly a month. My already weakened lungs meant my chances of survival were lesser than others.

To make matters worse, my pregnant wife, my ageing mother and my elder brother all contracted the virus at the same time. Imagine! All three categories considered most susceptible to the contagion were under one roof.

I had always taken ample precautions at work and at home, maintaining hygiene and distancing. So I still wonder how I contracted it. On July 18, when I showed the dreaded symptoms, I dialled one helpline number after another to get myself tested at a government facility. Even for getting myself tested I would have to wait for at least three to seven days. At private diagnostic centres, the waiting period was two days.

ALSO READ: ‘Covid-19 Is Time To Give Back To Community’

I tested Covid positive on July 20. By then, my brother had started complaining of fever and I knew the virus was upon us. I had to get admitted while the rest of my family had to be in home quarantine. The real struggle began thereto!

Government hospitals were overflowing with Covid patients while private hospitals were charging a fortune. When I contacted private hospitals in Kolkata, beds weren’t available. I had high fever, stomach aches, loss of appetite and many other problems (Thankfully, breathing problems were not among them). In that condition I was making the rounds of hospitals.

I felt stigmatised at many of the places. While waiting at one of the hospitals, I wasn’t even allowed to use the washroom. I had expected the facilities at private hospitals to be up to the mark but I was in for a rude shock. I managed to get admitted on July 21 to a satellite hospital of one of the properties of the hospitality industry, thanks to my friends and their contacts. I shudder to think about the fate of families without the right contacts.

During the treatment, I couldn’t even enquire about my family’s wellbeing. Then the breathing trouble began. The doctors had to use an asthmatic pump to help me breathe. The next few days passed by in a blur and my health didn’t pick up even until July 27. Seeing and hearing about people losing their lives around me made things worse.

ALSO READ: ‘Virus Took My Job, But Not My Resolve’

I started giving up the mental fight until a doctor sensed it and counselled me for over an hour. I regained confidence, and my strength began to return. Until then I was at the mercy of the health professionals, who I would say, did a fabulous job. The hospital did a good job, but here is a special shout-out to the doctor who breathed life into me with his counsel. Now I understand why doctors are called gods.

I got to know that my friends were, at great risk to their health, supporting my family handle the isolation. This included my boss as well as other colleagues who were of tremendous help right from the beginning till the end in everything. My family would not have survived this phase without them. I was finally discharged after testing negative on August 8. I am a new man these days.

There have been post-recovery issues. For past week, I have been suffering from severe skin rashes. Doctors have asked me to observe my symptoms as these could be allergy but I am a little scared. My wife is also doing fine and our main focus is now on keeping ourselves mentally fit and emotionally strong.

I must warn other that the various apps which claimed to help us fight against Covid are of little use. I didn’t feel socially stigmatized but my experiences at many a health facility wasn’t pleasant. Social distancing doesn’t mean emotional distancing.

‘Covid-19 Is The Time To Give Back To Our Community’

By LokMarg

Konpal Mishra, 28, an e-commerce manager in Mississauga, Canada, says she was supported by Indian community to settle down in a foreign country. It is payback time for her now.

I too was once an immigrant in this country (Canada). I know how overwhelming it can be for anyone landing in a foreign land and settle down! When I first moved to Mississauga, I found help and support from my friends and colleagues who made sure that I settled well. They had helped me set my house, even let me borrow their belongings

So, when I was approached by a female friend for help in her moving to Canada, I decided it was payback time. The current Covid-19 crisis has made the process more complex and demanding. But this time has also taught us to stand together as a community and help each other.

While moving to a new country, a person does a lot of planning to look for a suitable accommodation, essential supplies, paperwork etc but shifting in the time of a pandemic can require additional care and support.

ALSO READ: ‘Every Individual Can Help In Battling Covid-19’

My friend told me that due to Covid-19, it was mandatory for the newcomers to show the authorities a proof of pre-booked, non-sharing space to go through two-week isolation. Along with that one had to also share a detailed plan ensuring regular supply of groceries and medicines during these times.

The bread and breakfast inns are the most affordable option in the beginning for any new immigrant. However, due to the pre-requisite quarantine norm, they have been reluctant in renting their spaces for self-isolation.

My first job was to look for suitable options for my friend’s prospective accommodation. I learnt that many landlords were taking advantage of the pandemic and resorting to irresponsible overcharging, even imposing inconvenient conditions on the people looking for spaces to quarantine. I decided to personally visit each accommodation that was on the table.

Travelling from Mississauga to Toronto daily can be exhausting. For two weeks, I drove every day to look for houses. It was very important for me to find the right house for my friends because if the landlord does not turn out to be a good host, it would only add to the inconvenience during self-isolation.

ALSO READ: ‘I Moved To Another Country Amid Covid-19’

Fortunately, the house we finalised had a humble landlord who was happy to issue a letter of accommodation for the authorities. He also allowed me to stock groceries and other supplies in the apartment even before my friend could move in.

Next was shopping for medicines, groceries and other essentials for our new guest. A few visits to the supermarket saw this through. Everything fell in place in the nick of time and I felt relieved that my friend will not have to go through any hardship during her self-isolation period.

Many asked me why I went out of the way to help a friend, and the only answer I had was that it could have been me in her place. It is the spirit of giving back to the community that motivated me to help a friend in the Covid-19 pandemic. As a community, we all have a collective responsibility to step up and extend support to all those in need.

Church

‘If People Can’t Visit Church, Then Church Must Visit People’

By LokMarg

Ravish Ronald (40), a pastor in Bihar’s Siwan district is happy with the reopening of religious places. For, he believes that both pills and prayers are needed to battle Covid-19

The government has allowed places of worship across the country to open and we are very happy about it. However, during the lockdown when people could not come to the church, we were using technology to take the church to the people.

There are around 250 people in our congregation and even before the lockdown, we sometimes used to do Facebook Live, but post-lockdown our dependence on technology increased. Since not everyone in our congregation has a smartphone or even a Facebook account, we had to figure out ways by which we could reach each member of the congregation during lockdown.

Faith becomes of paramount importance during uncertain times and Coronavirus has created the most uncertain times that most of us have ever seen in our lives. In India, the division between science and spirituality is not very defined. So people visit both the doctor for medical guidelines as well as pray to God for the early recovery. Dawa aur dua dono me vishwas karte hain hum Indians. (Indians believe in both pills and prayer.

ALSO READ: Virus Is There, Fear Is Gone

We also have sporadic power cuts which means many a times even people being able to charge their phones properly is a problem. Once we get over this hurdle we sometimes use our WhatsApp groups for preaching. However, by far the most effective method has been that of conference calls.

So I start the call and then every person who keeps joining adds five more people to the conference call, until every one we serve is connected and then the sermons begin. Conference calls require no internet and anyone with a basic phone can join the conference call. It took us nearly one month to figure things out properly as to how we could best reach people.

However, I am also of the belief that people need to come back together so that sense of community is not lost. Many people feel alone and isolated the church is the right place to make people feel like they are important and they belong to the community.

ALSO READ: Misery And Hope Amid Covid-19

However, I also would request people to strictly maintain social distancing, take care of all hygiene recommendations as well as other preventive measures and also respect each person they come across because we are all in this together.

I feel the coronavirus crisis is a course correction because people have stopped keeping faith in themselves and God. Most people are scared of the unknown, while if you have faith in the unknown, that God is taking care of things after you have done your best, then stress levels decrease. As stress levels decrease, immunity increases. So faith is also an important component of immunity and therefore health. Self-discipline is of utmost importance now.

Online Classes

‘Online Classes Completely Drain The Parents’

By LokMarg

Roma Aggarwal, 37, says online schooling is tiresome for parents who have to juggle among domestic chores, office work and children’s assignments. She prays for the pandemic to end and schools to reopen

Online classes aren’t really my cup of tea. I love the idea of children being formally educated inside the school premises with real-time interactions between teachers and students as well as among themselves. Education is not only about the stuff we are taught, it is also about the social skills we learn, how we understand non-verbal cues from other people and how we learn to carve our own space in the sea of people. But it is what it is!

The pandemic hasn’t relented for so many months now and I wonder when my two daughters will be able to go back to school. My younger daughter, aged three, was supposed to start school formally this year, but then things changed drastically. My elder daughter is in Class IV and she misses her school a lot.

I have had to change and update gadgets continuously to enhance the quality of the online interaction. As an urban family, we have access to smartphones, laptop etc. which we share on priority basis, and still online classes aren’t an easy navigation. So, I wonder about those families who may have to share gadgets, like one phone between two siblings.

ALSO READ: ‘Online Classes, PUBG, Web Series… Lockdown Is Fun’

It is difficult for the young children to make such huge changes in lifestyle. My elder one generally oscillates between her iPad and her laptop for her studies, but there are days when she complains of sore eyes and mild headaches because of the intense focus she has to keep on the electronic mediums. So I have also now started connecting the laptop (net book) to the TV. And since my younger one accesses her classes on my phone, it means I neither get the TV, nor the phone to unwind after a hard day’s work.

Whatever free time I get is spent in helping my elder daughter with her assignments. I am a housewife but there is so much online involvement with my elder daughter that I feel like I have joined a fully functioning office. We as parents have to help our kids with conducting their lab experiments, then with their homework across subjects and multiple assignments. Plus there are also their various online tests.

Then there are video and photo uploads to be done. My elder daughter starts her classes around 8.20 am and one class goes on for 40 minutes. And I have to be alert along with her. My younger one’s classes start much later and she has also been complaining about her eyes watering during the classes. Since ages we have told kids to use the screen less or sit far away from the screen so that it doesn’t impact their eyes. But now the screens have become unavoidable. Continuous and long use of ear phones might also hamper the children’s sensitive ears, so I don’t allow them to use earphones for online classes.

WATCH: ‘Online Classes Are Only A Temporary Option’

My house is right now divided into water-tight zones. One room has been taken up by my husband, where he dedicatedly does his work as an IT Professional. Another room has been assigned to my daughter in which she can attend her classes undisturbed by any outside sound or noise. My younger daughter and I have taken over the living room. She gets easily restless during the classes and I have to then help her soothe.

I sincerely hope the schools open soon and we go back to the pre-pandemic world. Till now there are no updates as to when schools would open in Chennai. Since there is not much physical activity during online classes, the kids don’t expend much energy and they eat fewer times saying they don’t feel hungry and the portions have also been getting smaller. In this pandemic they can’t even go out for physical activities, which is not good for their health.

China

‘China Ban Is Short Term Hardship, Long Term Blessing’

By LokMarg

Vivek Gadodia (48), a garment manufacturer in Noida, has been importing fabrics from China. His business suffered amid Indo-China standoff and Covid-19, but he calls it a boon in disguise

My family has been into garment manufacturing business for nearly eight decades now and I have been at the helm for the past 23 years. We specialize in men’s wedding wear, especially suits, sold under the brand name Zoop. We import fabrics for our suits from China, which is why I have been keeping a keen eye on the developments in India-China relations.

The past eight months have been the most unpredictable times of my work life. The India-China standoff might have begun in May but the pandemic had started raging in Wuhan, China around January. This meant that China took extreme measures to keep its people safe. These measures caused several restrictions and we couldn’t access the fabric for our merchandise.

Then in March, India announced the lockdown and for the following three months, nothing moved. As if these hardships were not enough, the India-China military clashes happened. The standoff continues.

WATCH: ‘I’ll Not Stock Or Sell Chinese Ware Hereto’

From one perspective, this long business slump could seem like a stroke of bad luck but I see things from a different perspective. After all, businesses are built on optimism; we take daily risks and a positive outlook gives us confidence.

Vivek sells his garment collection under the brand name Zoop

Most people don’t know the scale of imports from China across categories. It is huge! India imports everything from gadgets to toys to hardware to grocery items from China. We are heavily dependent on China for raw or finished products. And the current events have caused difficulties for businessmen who trade with China. But that is a short-term setback.

In the long run, I feel the current downward spiral in India-China relations have come as a stroke of luck. Of course, the loss of lives in Galwan valley clashes is a sad episode. But hereto Indian customer will look for locally produced goods, including garments. This will fuel the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). But for that to materialise, we as businessmen and manufacturers, have to adapt quickly to the market demand. This also means a more tightly-knit country as the demand and the supply remain in the same country.

Yes, the business has suffered tremendously. Our whole summer wedding season was a total washout as most weddings were either postponed or altogether cancelled. Plus, no one knows when things will go back to normal. But it has suffered more because of the pandemic than because of the standoff. Things aren’t as bad as shown on news channels.

WATCH: ‘Rakhi Sale Is Low, But China Maal A Big No’

The biggest problem that we are facing is: because of the tensions and uncertainty between the two countries, the Chinese sellers are not ready to give us any credit and are selling only against spot payment. This is causing serious liquidity problems for smaller business units.

We are restarting our business for the winter wedding season now and I hope the market sentiment picks up or, even better, rebound in a big manner. I hope people who have been weary of everything that 2020 brought in its wake, will celebrate weddings with a renewed vigour while maintaining social distancing and following all precautions in place. We are also taking proper measures to ensure everything is safe and hygienic in our business. The news of vaccines being in the market in a few months also gives us hope.

Online Education

Watch – ‘No Smartphone, No Classes, Kids Play All Day’

By LokMarg

LokMarg brings you a ground report from rural India, where in the absence of smartphones and computers, school children are unable to study amid Covid-19.

Our reporter Praveen Sharma visits rural households in Uttar Pradesh to find that a majority of students are unable to take advantage of online classes. Parents say they can ill-afford expensive phones or data. Result is most school children now idle away their time playing or running errands.

School teachers list out state government measures for distance learning as schools are yet to reopen. But poor households are unable to take their benefit. They are only waiting for the schools to reopen. Watch:

‘Covid-19 Has Taught Us Valuable Business Lessons’

By LokMarg

Sachin Kumar (25), a Cyber Café owner in Moradabad, UP, had to shut shop for three months after the district became a Covid-19 Hot Spot. With the start of Unlock, Kumar is picking up the pieces with hope

My business was dependent on people who wanted a secure future. I run a cyber café which also helps in filing online application in government offices for various documents. Before Coronavirus hit us, it was a hub where youngsters would come for buying and submitting exam forms. Many would apply for PAN cards after they got their first job, some applied for passports, driving licenses or its renewal. The pandemic taught me that nothing is certain. Right now, just about surviving is my only objective.

I had started my cyber café in Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) two years ago and had even hired a person to help me out. But after this district turned a hotspot for Covid-19, strict lockdown meant my business nosedived. Now with Unlock process, we are picking up the pieces with hope. I believe things will keep getting better with each passing day. If people follow all the social distancing norms, businesses will restart again. We all need it.

ALSO READ: ‘No Work For 4 Months Drains Creativity’

I reopened my café on July 1, after remaining shut for nearly three months. Since then we have 20-25 people coming in every day. It used to draw nearly 200 people earlier. But I like to see things positively. If right at the beginning of Unlock we are able to draw 10% of the business, in a year or two we should get back to pre-pandemic level. Things never remain the same, but love and support from family means we can overcome this together. The business community too needs to come forward as a family to support each other.

I take care to practice social distancing norms in my café. Only one person is entertained at a time and only people wearing masks are allowed in. I wipe my counter with surface sanitizer after every interaction. We have bought a 5 litre bottle and though it comes at a high cost (₹900), I don’t want to take any chances either for me or my customers. We mop the floor with disinfectants at regular intervals. Plus, we also have a thick plastic curtain that is being used in most shops to ensure distancing.

ALSO READ: ‘Reopening Our Restaurant Needed Courage’

Earlier, the times when Board results were announced, it was brisk business for us. My shop would be swarmed by schoolchildren and their parents; this year that excitement was missing. Most of them called me on the phone to check their results or did it on their own smartphones.

We also used to earn a lot from money transfer, sale of offline forms, sale of government and private sector jobs, lamination, challan submissions, application for licenses and passports etc. Now, no one is coming to buy new forms, or filing online applications.

Yet, it is nice to see that despite the uncertainty people haven’t stopped studying and many of them come for getting study materials ‘Xeroxed’. I feel education is an essential thing and people aspiring for a better life will also never stop, so I feel as soon as this pandemic is under control, businesses like ours will be one of the firsts to get back on its feet.