On Jan 30th, 2020, India reported its first Covid case in Thissur district, Kerala. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, can be transmitted between people through close contact and droplets moreover it multiplies at an unprecedented rate. It was clear that our healthcare infrastructure was not prepared to tackle a virus of this nature. The only possible way to deal with it was to contain its spread. On 24th March, India imposed the first state of complete lockdown across the nation for 21 days which till date has not been entirely revoked. People were asked to leave their home only in case of dire urgency and to always keep indoors. International travel was banned and several restrictions were imposed on movement within the country. Airlines both national and international were banned, railways and even the most basic means of transportation were outlawed.
Although this lockdown was enforced in public interest but the Govt’s ambiguous nature of its enforcement had calamitous consequences for the economically weaker section of the country. Daily wagers now struggled to earn as little as to buy them two meals a day. Migrant labours ,hailing majorly from UP and Bihar, were now rendered roofless. With no food or place to stay ,they began to trace their footsteps back home, walking miles, hopelessly. Many of these starving labourers met their fateful plight, losing their lives.
Travelling can be a privilege for many but for some it decides their livelihood. Of all the affected, the Indian sports also received a blow. Travel is an inseparable part of a sportsperson’s career. To participate in a tournament, to attend an event and for any other businesses ,travel is inevitable. One of the many facing the repercussions of these travel restrictions is Indian paraplegic swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh or ‘Shams’ as he is famously called.
Shams was diagnosed with tumour in his lower back at age 24 and has unfortunately been on a wheelchair ever since. Shams has represented India internationally and has bagged more than 50 golds. He also has 2 limca book records by his name. But due to these travel restrictions his otherwise three to four monthly trips to places have now become non existent. In these appalling circumstances where our lives have come to a standstill, our mental health can also take a back seat. The feeling of being constrained in the walls of home can trouble most but not Shams. A man who has always looked for silver lining in the thunder knows how to keep himself together in these unnatural circumstances as well. Despite losing innumerous opportunites to this lockdown ,he stays optimistic and invests his time in other constructive activites. He has developed new cooking skills in his quarantine period and and finds solace in yoga. He has bravely cleared all the hindrances that came his way. And even in these unnatural circumstances, he stays optimistic with a vision for future. The saying ‘when life gives you lemons make lemonade’ suits him the best.
What’s your take on the Covid related travel restrictions and how are you dealing with it? Do let us know in the comments.
Article Written By Tanay Shubham
Edited By Shams Aalam
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