Team Herald
PANJIM: It was almost voluntary, unprecedented, and above all, the fear of epidemic kept the residents in Goan indoors on the first day of Janta Curfew. It is arguably for the first time in all over India that the entire nation was lockdown in their respective homes; and the residents are still not clear how long will it stretch to.
The spirit was raised at 5 pm when all residents came out in their balconies to clap and play gong as gratitude towards the essential service providers, including medical professionals. However, so far, Goa will remain under “Janta Curfew” till March 25 which also coincides with Gudi Padwa festival.
Herald talked to some of the residents in Goa and they shared who they spent this unusual Sunday, self quarantined within their home. Their quotes are as below.
“I spent my day reading ‘Nudge’, a beautiful book that is engrossing written by Richard Thaler, Nobel Prize winner in economics. And of course a bit of gardening but stayed indoors throughout,” said Jose Manuel Noronha, Chairman of Goa Public Service Commission.
“Anticipating that the Janta Curfew may be extended, my wife and I made arrangements for about a week’s provisions and decided that we will relax at home. Nothing fancy – normal breakfast, lunch and dinner, reading and watching television was the day for us. However, throughout the day I was getting calls from the Chamber members who were not sure how things will pan out. There are units who have planned to resume production from third shift tonight. There are others who manufacture bakery and other food products and need to arrange deliveries within and outside Goa. They do not know whether they should plan production or not. All are hoping that the Government instructions will come in time,” said R S Kamat, Director General of GCCI.
“We, with our entire family, stayed at home and had light meal of fruits and vegetables with porridge and played with our granddaughter,” said Babish Fernandes who is a businessman and son of ex-minister late Victoria Fernandes.
Advocate Irfan Agha from Panjim said, “With this Janta Curfew, I relived my carefree days by spending time with my family. We spent more quality time with each other and prayed for the entire world suffering from this pandemic. Everyone has done their duty towards the nation by maintaining this Janta Curfew peacefully. Our gratitude goes to all the doctors, the police and all those who are working despite this virus lingering around and protecting us against the global virus.”
“It was a day of reflection, re-thinking, reforming the purpose of my life in this world just not for my own benefit, but for the wellness of people around me as we are co-existents on this planet earth,” said Ciona Valles, Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho.
“On a positive note, this Janta Curfew was a remarkable one which made the people understand the meaning of social distancing in this time of global crisis as this virus has effect on a human body within 3-4 days. Today, I had a full day at my perusal which was well spent with my family, discussing about many important things, introspecting and reciting a prayer for the afflicted and then we collectively joined in the 5 pm mass awareness to acknowledge the efforts of the other professionals who are working for the welfare of the society by sacrificing their family time so that we could spend our day safely with our families,” said Glenda Mascarenhas, Assistant Professor, Don Bosco College, Panjim.
Beautician from Mapusa Rushali Samant said that, “Well, due to COVID19, it was a great opportunity to be at home with kids, tired various recipes, cleaned my house played antakshari, carom, actually never felt as if it was a quarantine. It was pleasure to be at home and loved to do these activities with enthusiasm.”
Pamela D’Souza from Margao said, “I had a wonderful quiet day reconnecting with my elderly father. I saw a side of him, I never saw before. I am grateful for this incredible day and for all the goodness that’s going to come off it.”
“I spent my day by cooking and making up on all my reading which was pending for a long time. In fact, I felt great to have this time at home,” said Khairoo Andan Khavtay, who is into insurance sector in Panjim.
