DU HOSTELLERS’ RECOVERY TALES
Being in the comfort of your home when battling Covid-19 is one thing, and being alone in a hostel or rented accommodation is another. “The scariest thing was standing all alone in a Covid-19 testing queue at a hospital, hearing people say things like ‘I don’t want to die’, ‘I don’t want to infect my family’ etc.” This is what most hostellers of Delhi University (DU) went through, away from their families when infected by the novel coronavirus. Yet, they went on to defeat Covid-19!
Being mentally strong, at a time when they were away from loved ones, wasn’t easy. And Ranjan Kumar, a PHD student who is a resident of Gwyer Hall hostel, thanks his friends and hostel authorities for being there for him while he was he adds.
The 50-year-old, who has been part of multiple OTT projects such as Leila, Mentalhood, Bhram, Ateet and Pareeksha, notes how a change has come about in the realm of entertainment. “I think disruption has happened for sure,” says Suri, adding that even though OTT platforms are rising, theatres will never cease to exist. down with the virus. “The hostel administration converted the Teacher Court to Doctor Court — a separate ward so that quarantining students don’t have to use the common facilities. The provost, warden and section officer always checked up on me. This made me feel cared for,” he says.
For Avinash Chandra, residing in Post Graduate Men’s Hostel, DU, it was knowledge that came as a source of comfort. “I used the time to learn more about Covid-19... This knowledge comforted me. Besides, I did exercises and yoga in my room’s balcony, watched movies and listened to songs that kept me engaged,” he tells us, adding that his hostel authorities ensured that he gets regular access to kaadha, turmeric milk, and fruits.
Shyamjeet Yadav, a PHD student staying at a hostel near DU’S North Campus, says yoga
“When Whatsapp came in, we never stopped using text messages. Similarly, the web and theatres will coexist. It’s not that one will replace the other. Theatres cater to a much wider audience and by that, I mean different strata of society.
It’s more event-based. You know a film is releasing on a particular date, so it is like your date with your film,” the actor explains.
Also, pointing out how kept him upbeat. “Yoga and meditation gave me mental strength,” he says, adding, “Reports say 97% people are recovering themselves. In my hostel, all 15 Covid-19 positive students recovered well. So, we need to get rid of the panic, take medicines, and keep friends virtually close.” certain films are only enjoyed in the cinemas, he says, “It’s just like when we want to watch a big match in the stadium. Some mainstream films released on OTT and did not work. But if they’d have had a theatrical release, they would have worked because of sheer star power and marketing. I’m hoping that soon the excitement of watching films on the big screen will come back to our lives.”