They slave unseen, underpaid

Though the plight of migrant workers was highly visible at the Delhi-UP border, hundreds of bonded labourers are languishing unseen in brick kilns and stone quarries “A number of bonded labourers were freed just three months back — some right before the lockdown. They were just getting back to some semblance of normalcy, working as […]

Surveillance for the greater good? 

The measures for containment of Coronavirus on a war footing have paved the way for the disappearance of privacy of the infected. Public interest is riding roughshod over private interest    Three weeks ago on 22 March, I received messages revealing that Covid-19 had entered my district. The proof? Photos taken of posters pasted outside homes […]

Buttoning down in style

As work from home becomes a way of life, fashion influencers find ways to spice up their wardrobes “Don’t think I am mad, I just wanted to show it off to you,” says Neena Gupta, the veteran actor concluding her Instagram video wearing an elaborate choker in gold that decorates her neckline.  She is in […]

Stronger immunity decoded

A holistic approach to health is the need of the hour not just to fight the current pandemic but also to ensure that problems arising from the lockdown can be minimised The outbreak of Coronavirus has turned the world topsy-turvy, governments are trying their best to contain the spread while healthcare professionals are fighting on […]

After the long walk back, no soap and no work

Out of work, migrant workers returning to their villages across the country are facing more than the threat of hunger, infection and ostracisation  On 22 March when ‘Janata Curfew’ was announced, daily wage worker Puran became worried about his family’s health. He had heard that the curfew had been announced due to a pandemic, which […]

Virtual parties fill the boredom gap

With the lockdown and the need for social distancing, apps like Houseparty are enabling people to continue with their Saturday night plans  Lockdown has forced the entire world to practice social distancing and in some areas has even led to lockdowns. Human civilisation that relies on physical contact then has been left with no option […]

Salutary confinement

Life has been quite pleasant in the multi-storey housing complex in Noida’s Paras Tierea, despite being completely sealed for two days after a couple of Coronavirus cases were found   People find ways to keep themselves busy even when there’s not much to do. I have been in my house alone for a week now and […]

Nature gets breathing space

While the nation continues to be under lockdown, pollution is on the decline and wildlife is coming on to the streets When Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a nationwide lockdown a week ago, it was designed to stop the imminent spread of the novel Coronavirus. But grinding this country of 1.3 billion people to a […]