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
The Covid situation has been a strenuous one but this is a truly inspiring story to motivate all of us to get out of our beds.
Keep it up👍👍
Thank you Ruchi for your kind words. I really appreciate your comment. ~Shams Aalam
Aw, this was a really great post. In theory Id like to write like this also taking time and real effort to make a good article but what can I say I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
Hi, after reading this awesome paragraph i am also cheerful to share my experience here with friends. Andrea Morten Borchers
Hiya, I loved reading your post. Thanks for the huge info. Hoped that we will lengthen our friendship through a mutual hyperlink trade? Let me know, and high-quality to see you here!
You completed various nice points there. I did a search on the issue and found the majority of persons will consent with your blog. Rebeca Brand Sully
Say, you got a nice blog. Thanks Again. Really Great. Mathilde Paddy Cocks
It is not my first time to visit this website, i am browsing this web site dailly and obtain good information from here every day.| Valera Farley Meriel
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.. Idette Cyrill Pember
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own website now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a good example of it. Giulietta Wilmar Belshin
Its unusual for me to discover something on the cyberspace thats as entertaining and intriguing as what you have got here. Your page is lovely, your graphics are outstanding, and whats more, you use reference that are relevant to what you are saying. Youre certainly one in a million, keep up the good work!
Informative article, exactly what I was looking for. Lib Raimundo Felike
Thank you for this lovely introduction to Sydney and Cape Breton. I hope to spend five days on the island, next summer/fall, whilst exploring Atlantic Canada. Teresina Kahaleel Vallery
Good post. I be taught one thing tougher on completely different blogs everyday. Itll all the time be stimulating to read content from other writers and observe just a little one thing from their store. I’d want to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link in your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
I value this informative blog. Im searching on search engines for this type of info last but not least got a high quality one. This will assist with what I am considering regarding my research for my personal college task.
i have checked this site a few times now and i have to say that i find it quite great actually. keep it up! 🙂
A formidable share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat analysis on this. And he in reality purchased me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If doable, as you change into expertise, would you thoughts updating your weblog with extra details? Its extremely useful for me. Big thumb up for this weblog publish!
Thanks for the nice writing. I have bookmarked your site and will be back to read more!
Hello!I am following your weblog for some days now. I have to say that it is very easy to check out . It is added in my favourite list and i will try to track it frequently. Thank you for the nice posts . On top of that, i truthfully like your template and the way you have structured your content . Is it possible to tell me the name of your web template ? Thanks
First of all, allow my family appreciate a persons command during this matter. Even though this is certainly brand new , nevertheless soon after registering your site, this intellect has exploded extensively. Allow all of us to take hold of ones rss to help keep in touch with at all probable messages Sincere understand but will pass it on to help admirers and my private are living members
Its actually a great post. I am sure that anyone would like to visit it again and again. After reading this post I got some very unique information which are in actuality very helpful for anyone. This is a post experiencing some crucial information. I wish that in future such posting should go on.
This is a appealing post by the way. I am going to go ahead and save this article for my brother to check out later on tonight. Keep up the good work.
Im obliged for the post. Great.