സിസ്റ്റർ എലിസബത്ത് ജോയൽ സി. എസ്. ഐ. ഇ. എം. എച്ച്. എസ്. എസ്. ആറ്റിങ്ങൽ/അക്ഷരവൃക്ഷം My Experiences With Lockdown Days

MY EXPERIENCES WITH LOCKDOWN DAYS The COVID 19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. Many countries have declared emergency and lockdowns to tackle the spread of this deadly virus. Our country is also in full swing in the war against the virus as the number of COVID cases has climbed upto 11,000 and the death toll crossed 300 (as of the data available on the date this essay was prepared [15-04-2020]). The country has extended the already-declared 21-day lockdown upto May 3. Malls, clubs, gyms, swimming pools, shops, schools, colleges, museums, parks………… all are shut. Many say that this lockdown period is boring. Although they understand the importance and relevance of the lockdown, they can’t bear this home isolation. One thing I want to say them is that if you utilize this lockdown period creatively, you would not get bored. There are many things you can do in this period. Usually, we all say that the thing we lack is time, don’t we? But now, we have plenty of time and an ocean of creative activities lying in front of you. From reading to seeding……….. From origami to philately……….. From cooking food to looking birds……... Let me explain the things which I do now to spend time. When the lockdown began, I decided to increase my vocabulary by reading books. My uncle sent me some Malayalam novels which were written by the most celebrated novelists of the language. From that, I read ‘Aadujeevitham’ written by Benyamin. One of my teachers suggested this novel to me. It gave me a wonderful reading experience. It was just like seeing a film. By three or four days, I completed reading that book. Now I think to read it again. That is the magic of reading. I believe that reading is a magician. When you sit in front of him, he would take you through many wonders. Another book I read was ‘Wings of Fire,’ the autobiography of Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He was a great and inspiring personality and his books are also great and inspiring. This book takes the readers through the lifetime of Shri. Kalam. He overcame many difficulties and became a scientist, DRDO chairman and the President of this great nation. He owns an important place in the scientific development of India. He was one of the masterminds of India’s missile programme. According to my view, every Indian should read this book and know his life. As I read books, the thought of writing a story took birth in my mind. I opened up my diary and wrote a short story in Malayalam. I wrote the story in my balcony. Due to the lockdown, vehicles were less in the road opposite our house and thus noise pollution was less. So my imagination and concentration was not disturbed. I often think of writing a novel or a story when I sit for studying. But I lacked time. Now I am satisfied with my mind’s ideas came out as a story! Yoga is a great exercise which will purify and refresh our body. My father practices yoga every morning. He insists me to do Yoga during weekends. I used to say him that how will I do Yoga during my busy schedule which starts from 6:30 am tuition? When the lockdown began, my father taught me Pranayama. I practice it every day. My father said that this simple breathing exercise will decrease your tension and mental pressure and increase your breathing capacity. Now, I plan to study some simple yogasanas from my father. Who don’t like to see films! This lockdown period is a good time to watch films you didn’t watch. Many new films are telecasted in televisions. I had seen two new Malayalam films in this lockdown period. I think to see more films in some apps. People will get mentally depressed by seeing the news channels full time in this situation especially old age. So it is necessary to see good films and entertainment programs. Many TV channels are broadcasting entertainment programmes including stage shows and comedy shows. I am also seeing comedy programmes which I love the most in entertainment programmes. It will not only make you laugh, but also cheer up your minds. Due to the nationwide lockdown, we informed our maid not to come for two months. My father and I helped my mother in cooking. I took up the responsibility of cleaning the house. I was enthusiastic in cleaning the house. I cleaned cobwebs from walls, arranged wardrobes, swept the floor and courtyard, neatened the photos and souvenirs hanging on the wall, polished my trophies….. At this time I washed my clothes too. Earlier my father used to wash my clothes. But now, I feel shy of my laziness in early times. And this lockdown period turned to a self-renaissance period for me. When the COVID 19 situation tightened, I decided to do a small video on how to prevent this virus and how to ease mental pressure. I also prepared an article about this virus in my PC. I am also preparing a news collage and a photo album on COVID 19. I thought that the coming generation should also know about this virus and the battle between humankind and coronavirus. Each of us are soldiers in this fight. We, the humankind, had emerged victorious in many worse situations. We will overcome this situation. This pandemic is nothing before human willpower. As there is no vaccine for coronavirus, prevention is the only method to contain the spread of this pandemic. Remember, prevention is better than curing. What are the preventive measures to be taken? • Following social distancing is must. Do not get out of your houses except for essential things. • While coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a handkerchief or tissue. • Frequently wash your hands using soap and water or handwash. Keep an alcohol based hand sanitizer with you every time. • People arriving from foreign countries or affected areas should go for 28 days home quarantine. • Keep a distance of 1 metre with others. • If you are going out of your homes for essential things, wear a mask. • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. • If you have cough, fever or difficulty in breathing, seek medical assistance immediately. • This is the time to increase your immunity. Choose a nutritious diet which includes fruits, leafy vegetables and drink plenty of water. Avoid fried food items. For more information, you can contact the helpdesk of health and family welfare department using this number- 011 23978046. The DISHA helpline- 1056- is also assigned to give more information to public. We, especially Keralites, have faced many challenges boldly and emerged victorious. Okhi cyclone, the two floods of 2018 and 2019, Nipah…….. There are many examples in front of us. Then why should we fear? With advanced technology, good medical facilities and high determination, how could we fail? Do not be afraid. Take right measures at the right time. Let us stay in our homes for our health, our society’s health and our nation’s health. Do not forget the valuable services of doctors, nurses and hospital staff and pray for their health. After this situation, the light of happiness will surely arrive. We will defeat Corona! Let us break the chain! Be confident! Stay healthy! Stay safe! Stay home! ആദേശ് ഉദയ് 8 A സി.എസ്.ഐ.ഇ.എം.എച്ച്.എസ്.എസ്. ആറ്റിങ്ങൽ ഉപജില്ല തിരുവനന്തപുരം അക്ഷരവൃക്ഷം പദ്ധതി, 2020 ലേഖനം