KHIRKEE VOICE
WINTER EDITION 2022
ISSUE #12
Artist launches comic about epic trip
In praise of Amateurs
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S E A S O N A L REPORT
12 PAGES
RADICAL POST-PANDEMIC UTOPIAS
Lockdown times in Madhubani
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Where the river ebbs slowest
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Supported by
Verses from a Khirkee Poet
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LOCKDOWN DAYS OF KHIRKEE EXTENSION
J A N U A RY - A P R I L 2 0 2 2
ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST
Yamoussoukro Cathedral
WARM AND PARTIALLY SUNNY WITH OCCASIONAL SHOWERS
DELHI, INDIA
COLD AND DRY IN JANUARY, GETS WARM AFTER MARCH
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
photograph: akshay kumar
Qutub Minar
Mazar-e-Sharif
FREEZING WITH SNOW AND RAIN GETS WARMER AFTER MARCH
LAGOS, NIGERIA
National Art Theater
WARM & PARTIALLY SUNNY OCCASIONAL SHOWERS
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA Mogadishu Harbour
WARM, PARTIALLY SUNNY, GETS HOTTER AFTER MARCH
PATNA, INDIA sightseeing from home: photos from the world wide web
Buddha Smriti Park
WARM, PARTIALLY SUNNY, GETS WAMER AFTER MARCH
YAOUNDE, CAMEROON Monument-de-laReunification
WARM AND PARTIALLY SUNNY THROUGHOUT
Mahavir Singh Bisht
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hirkee Village has witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic like many other urban villages in the city. There was loss of life in many streets and people also had to face unprecedented financial trouble. After the announcement of the first lock down of 2020, life in Khirkee came to a standstill. The artisans working in the textile factories there had to leave this village amidst uncertainty and go back to their native villages. Many people lost their jobs. The local residents imprisoned themselves within four walls and would only come out of the house to get the essentials. In the evening, people would often be seen walking on their terraces or peacefully looking at the empty streets and sky in the silence of the epidemic. Talking about the experiences of Covid-19 and the lock-down, Ashwani, a local poet and businessman, says, “Many of my business friends have adapted themselves during this difficult period. Like a friend of mine did when the sweets & confectionery business work came to a standstill, started groceries and general store business. Also survival became so important that we used to find reason to laugh even in this trouble.” A pandit ji has a tea stall opposite to his. When customers were scarce in the lock down, then Miyan Saheb, who was running the hotel next
door, came forward to help Pandit ji. He would send fruits, vegetables and essential items to Pandit Ji and many others every day. Ashwani believes that sharing sorrow and pain along with help may not reduce all the problems but it does give courage. On the other hand, many people faced much more difficult times due to the loss of their loved ones in this epidemic. Mehar (name changed), 22, from the Afghan community of Khirkee, says, “I lost my father in the Pandemic. Our family was going through extreme distress and financial trouble. Even going out for ration was difficult. There was no work anywhere due to lock down and the spread of Covid-19 virus. We spent the entire lock down in depression and loneliness. Due to the closure of the Jamaat, there was no source of spirituality and peace of mind as well. When the lock down was lifted, there was some hope. I am happy that I found a new job.” Mehar’s experience is similar to the experience of countless other people in and around Khirkee Village. Stories of courage and resilience are heard in every street. After the relaxation of the first lock down, as life started coming back on track, the second wave struck. This time the situation was more dire. Those who came back to the village for work, the period of uncertainty started haunting them again. People who had the resources were ready to help through NGO’s, in-
stitutions and as individuals. Most people in the neighbourhood were going through a period of great concern for the survival and safety of themselves and their families. Ravi, 23, who lives in Khirkee village, says, “During Covid-19 crisis I had to go through a lot of financial problems. I myself contracted coronavirus and had mild symptoms. I home quarantined and treated and took care of myself on my own. My entire family lives in my native village. So I am a little relieved for them. I have a government job on contract. During the lockdown, it was very difficult as the organisation held back salary for a few months. Later the issue was resolved and I got my paycheck with a cut. If such a situation comes again, we are more prepared than ever.” Ravi writes poems in his spare time. The sorrows of marginalised people are visible in his poetry from this time of crisis. Pandemic may have secretly changed and affected people’s attitudes. People have become more aware of life because of the collective loss and grief. In this era of loneliness, we have come closer to our loved ones. People have become more aware and started sharing their views regarding mental health. Perhaps we have become more sensitive about nature and its behaviour. At the same time, this difficult time has collectively made us realise that life is valuable and that a longing for survival alone breeds unprecedented courage. Ra-
vi’s friend Akshay says that “I got lucky in the lock-down that I got a job during the period of financial difficulties.” In his daily routine, he had to sit at home. In the evening, he used to go out of the house only to take a walk on the terrace. Going out in the street was out of the question for fear of getting beaten up by the police. Akshay stays with his mother in Panchsheel Park which is walking distance from Khirkee and he raps during free time and releases videos on YouTube. Akshay’s mother Pula Devi, 47 says, “Kahin aana jaana hi nahi tha. Our neighbors’ entire family in the house in front was Corona positive. We were scared. But we took all precautions. Thankfully no one in our family was infected. There was a problem finding work anywhere. Now the new strain is coming, so there is fear again.” There is a little more movement in the Khirkee streets these days. Early in the morning you will notice children going to school. Jha ji’s tea shop is not as crowded as before, but you can see the gossipping artisans and local people visiting at different intervals. Vegetable and fruit sellers are back in their positions. Simultaneously, cases of Omicron are increasing in Delhi as recorded at the end of December 2021. Fear of lock down is inevitable. But after talking to the people of Khirkee, they come across as more courageous and ready than before.
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