DU HOSTELLERS’ RECOVERY TALES
A positive outlook and the kindness of others helped many hostel residents beat Covid-19
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 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 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.”
My fellow hostellers and hostel authorities became my extended family. I recovered with their help, with good food and medicines.
RANJAN KUMAR,
PHD student