Autobiographical Account of Raipur under Lockdown

Hello! This is an article that I submitted as a Creative Writing Assignment for one of my coveted University’s admission process. Since the Uni liked it very much and selected me for admission, I am sharing the same here!

It was a breezy Saturday morning. The always busy MG Road was alive with its usual hustle. The serene Mahamaya temple was radiating peace through the sounds of prayers. The Jaistambh Square was pulsing with hurried people and rushing school buses. It was a beautiful start for a happening day, making it impossible for me to predict what was about to follow.

Oh, wait, I almost forgot to introduce myself.

Hello! I am Raipur. I’m a city located in the heart of Chhattisgarh, and I must warn you, I am currently in a hurry. Thus, without further ado, let me bring you ‘up to date’ with my story.

It was only when the sunset approached, that I started to sense something unusual. The Budha Talab was devoid of visitors, and the district offices vacant. Even the Ghadi Chowk stood frozen in time. There was an eeriness in the atmosphere, and a strange whisper among the civilians vis-à-vis a “Jaanta Curfew”.

I was shocked when I first heard of it.
“A curfew? That is outrageous.
How could they plan to put a stop on my schedule?”
It was only later that I realised what I was in for.

The next morning arrived like an unwelcomed guest; and set in motion this series of indelible experiences. With everybody locked inside their houses, I felt lonesome for the first time in my life. Desolate, I wondered if my neighbours and friends were on the same boat as me and as if on cue, people started coming out of their homes, producing harmonious music with all sorts of utensils. Some even had tears in their eyes. I was confused but happy.

Very soon, a similar incident took place. Families came out on the streets again and lighted up Diyas and Candles, the way they do on Diwali. By now, I was caught up with the news. My dear friend Mumbai had faxed me, informing me of a major virus outbreak. Termed “Covid-19”, this virus carries the potential to exterminate the entire humankind.
Then and there, I took it upon myself to ensure the safety of my citizens.

Of course, it was a daunting task. For all of a sudden, it seemed as if the human race had quietened down. Few people dared to step alfresco, and had their faces covered at all times. Honestly, it was somewhat difficult to recognize who was who at the beginning, but now it is safe to say we’ve established a “new normal” comprising of face masks and frequent hand-sanitizing.

It has been over two months that my mother India and I have been under a lockdown. Today, I am honoured to share that my citizens and I have together prevented all Covid-19 fatalities. It feels good to see hygiene and physical-distancing being maintained.

In fact, I would love to stay and chat with you a little longer, but I hear a cyclone’s coming in.
I got to go fend for my people.

Until next time,

yours faithfully,

Raipur!

~Manasi Varwandkar

This article has been originally written in the month of May 2020.

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