Life Under Lockdown — Day 0

March 24, 2020

8:00 PM — Prime Minister Modi

When you see both in the same sentence, understand something is wrong. Just the word Prime Minister is going to address the nation tonight sends a chill thru most citizens of this country. This day, was no different.

Okay. It’s time. Tuned into Doordarshan’s telecast of the speech on YouTube and waiting for the inevitable. There he is. With his usual calm and composure, no-frill attitude to the camera. The moment he says “From midnight today”, you could hear the collective sigh of 1.3 billion people telling to themselves— “Oh Shit!”

And he announces the inevitable — a 21 day lockdown of the entire country.

Get, Set, Pack!

I had a chance. I could have gone home last Friday. Bur for some reasons, I wanted to stay back. I know this was coming. Though didn’t expect this long and this forced. But yes, I wanted to stay back in Bengaluru when the lockdown happened. Thankfully, I have a few friends just around the few blocks perimeter living. So this should not be a problem — or at least that’s what I thought.

When Modi told that your door will be the Lakshman Rekha, I know this is not going to be normal. A strict, full-on curfew is about to come. So, I packed some essentials. Few packs of maggi, a bag full of snacks, some milk and tea powder. Let’s brace for an impact!

In the 800m I travelled back home, I could see what this country is going to be. Police on that small street, supermarkets half-shuttered, people waiting in line for panic buying. Things are crazy. And we are yet to get started. This is just Day 0.

India, brace for impact!