Lockdown Diary Of A Teenager: What PM Modi's Lockdown 2.0 speech meant to different people

The past 20 days of this lockdown have tested our emotional, mental and physical capacities in the hardest way possible. With children actively reminding their parents of the common ‘ants in the pants’ syndrome, to adults perspiring with worry at the thought of their businesses – saying that the (first) quarantine period was a rocky one, is a gross understatement. 

The anxiousness and uncertainty revolving around the government’s plan was put to rest when the Prime Minister addressed the nation earlier this morning and announced an extension of the lockdown period by 19 more days. Reactions to this announcement were certainly not homogenous. They were quite comical, to say the least.

Some teenagers found themselves sneakily jumping on the inside as an extended lockdown meant more hours to dwell in the bliss of the digital world. On the other hand, many students such as those who are yet to give their Boards and other examinations, faced another punch to the gut. For them, it meant more days of apprehension and uncertainty.

The anxiousness and uncertainty revolving around the government’s plan were put to rest when the Prime Minister addressed the nation this morning. (Photo: Reuters)

The expressions of our parents were nothing short of any melodramatic scene from a Bollywood film. Mothers, exhausted under the burden of household work and the constant presence of their children, were ready to throw the towel into the ring!

19 more days seemed like a century to them and entailed a further degradation of their well-groomed selves as, since the quarantine period, vanity and luxury have also been put on lockdown!

Fathers, on the other hand, faced a double whammy. In addition to the number of white hair on their temples due to the lack of work and increased dosage of child-induced stress, they were now at the mercy of their wives, who let out all their frustrations on them.

On a more serious note, the citizens whose livelihoods depend on daily wages and casual work yet again were left in the dark. Though the Prime Minister said that guidelines would be issued tomorrow for the citizens, it is unlikely that the conditions will improve for them in the near future. This week is said to be crucial in deciding the fate of many activities in the country, including the opening of industries and other businesses. We can only hope that the odds are in our favour.

Those whose livelihoods depend on daily wages are left in the dark yet again. Seen here are the migrant workers outside a bus station, trying to get to their villages after the lockdown was first announced in March. (Photo: Reuters)

Just like every decision, some people support it whereas others do not. However, PM Narendra Modi has made it clear that he prioritises human life over economic prosperity. Compassion and humanity have, and continue to be India’s strongest values, and have demonstrated that the people and their well being, are in fact the utmost concern of the government. This decision of the government shows the success of the world’s largest democracy in placing its people on the highest level.

With our contribution to the country as citizens and more importantly, as humanitarians, we will emerge victorious and help India regain its position as a dominant and fast-growing economy as more lives provide greater strength.

Also read: Lockdown Diary Of A Teenager: The compulsive need to be 'on' all the time