I work with an NGO. It works with vulnerable urban communities towards building inclusive cities. It is based out of Mumbai and has its work spread in a few other cities as well.
A majority of the office staff works on the field — connecting with people and building their capacities. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some of them have been involved in providing food relief to communities.
It has been over 45 days since the ration distribution work started. They have not taken a day off since. They start by mid-noon and return by midnight. They do not eat enough or in time. They do not have a protective gear when they are out in the field. They have only themselves to attend to the many people and the many areas they visit or do the many tasks in between.
They have been taking many efforts on the individual level as well. They know about the situation up-close because they come from these communities. They care and they provide help.
The discussion in the staff meeting today was on maintaining well-being during lockdown. “Unlocking the lockdown,” read the official email, “to be presented by an expert.” She did not come and two people from the staff took charge. It was not last minute for them. They were prepared with a presentation made with style, colours and pictures.
They began with work from home and talked about how it has wreaked havoc in their daily routine. It is making them eat more and eat frequently, increasing their weight by a few kilos. They feel sleepy during the day and stay up till late night, playing online games like Ludo and Pub G. They feel increasingly bored and caged in their house, indulging in quarrels and aggressive behaviour.
They ask: “How has it been for you all?”
“This presentation looks like a distant dream to me. There are so many people facing so many problems that our work has doubled,” says one field staff.
“There has been constant running around to get ration cards made and to get rations for distribution,” says another.
“Our work has increased so much that what you’re saying is a wishful situation for us,” adds yet another.
They say: “Yes, indeed. The uncertainty of food is widespread. Maintaining social distancing is a privilege. The lockdown is different for everyone — for some it is Big Boss, for others Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. But we must stay home to stay safe. News of people not maintaining social distancing in front of liquor shops and of the increase in cases of domestic violence are all over the place.
“Violence behind closed doors is heinous. There is no reason for anyone to hurt anyone, not even a child. Child abuse is also on the rise. How to break free when you are locked inside with an abuser?”
“Yes, there has been an increase in the number of calls on the child helpline,” says a staff. “But there is also a change in the nature of our intervention. Consultation and follow-up on the phone has taken the place of case and associated visits to the police and other state functionaries.”
They say: “Yes, our working styles have changed. We are not an IT company that can do all its work sitting at home. Our work is to connect with people on the ground. It is a cause of worry to not be present for those in need. It is therefore all the more important to look after our well-being, to take out some time for fitness.
“Do dance and yoga. Eat healthy and on time. Sleep on time. Talk to friends because har ek friend zaroori hota hai. Be mindful of social media consumption. Stay away from it and close to your family. Feel good. Remember good memories and the people you share those memories with. Talk to good people and about good things. Turn your workplace into a fun place.
“We as an organisation have survived for over 35 years. We have tremendous energy and enthusiasm. We must take care of ourselves and come out of this situation stronger and better.”
“We are scared. When will the lockdown be lifted?” asks a staff. “It has broken our relation with one another. We talk on the phone but that is hardly anything. Corona is the surface, there is something else happening beneath.”
They say: “No, no. We are not going in that direction now. So we are scared and we don’t know — what is happening, how it is happening, when the lockdown will be lifted, when it will get better.”
“There are many communities with whom we work and we have not provided them any relief yet. I am not complaining, but we should definitely provide rations at least in the areas where we have our work,” says a staff.
They say: “Could you please raise this issue some other time? Moving on, all these things — commuting on the Mumbai local, savouring pani puri, sipping on tapri chai, speaking with rickshaw wala — we miss.
“We must pay tribute to our ‘home warriors.’ These are the people who are continuously working to feed us, keep us healthy, care for us. Working from home, we have realised what work for home is. We don’t ask you to pay them tribute by clapping or banging utensils. We want to contribute in a real sense. Share their workload. If they are cooking, you cut vegetables. If they are cleaning, you sweep the floor. Everybody needs to take initiative.
“Whatever you do, do it with discipline. Get discipline in your life and win little everyday battles. Let go of the external uncertainty, bring certainty in your own life. The Standard Operating Procedure of Life. Be determined. Keep a timetable. No matter what, go to sleep at 10 pm and start work at 10 am. Normalise routine. Commercialise hobbies. Don’t let these days go waste. Make the most of this situation. Make life even more beautiful. Write songs. Write poems. Look for good songs. Look for good poems.
“Some things are not in your control. Don’t worry about them. The anxiety and fear that is creeping from outside, let it remain out. Take control of your day. Do what you can to control your life. The lockdown on the outside, there is no control for it. Control the lockdown inside. Unlock the lockdown you have within. Deep breathe in, deep breathe out. Smile — it’s a beautiful day.”
