Cry of Compassion, by Sanjeev Kumar, Kolkata

Born and raised in Nawadah, Bihar, and currently living in Kolkata, West Bengal, Sanjeev is happy to devote his time and energy for empowering deprived and oppressed communities.

I am in a remote part of the Sundarban, my workplace, famous for its flora and fauna. But, I find its beauty has somehow faded away. The entire locality seems to be strange and pale. I am surprised at myself for observing such odd things. I try, but the villagers are not ready to tell me clearly.

I pass by one hamlet after another and find small groups of people talking to each other. I am not able to listen to them but get the idea that they are having serious discussions. I march further to the outskirts of a village, to find a place for rest. I hear someone from a hut nearby, calling me. I go to him and find him too tired and helpless. His clothes are dirty, his face unshaved. It appears he is being kept in captivity.

Why is it so? He is from this village. Yes, he works in a different state, but that’s a different matter. He is at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, with great difficulty. And, most importantly, he possesses a medical fitness certificate.

I take him with me to a nearby town, where there is a COVID-19 quarantine center. He looks at me with his shining eyes. I feel relaxed, as he is now safe and will be looked after.

He had been staying alone in that hut for fourteen days. His sufferings continue to whirl in my thoughts. I keep on thinking about how people, even near and dear ones, behave differently during a crisis. The coronavirus asks people to stay isolated from one’s place, but not from one’s heart; to maintain social distancing but not give up social bonding. Today coronavirus, tomorrow, something else. Calamity always comes without notice, and we must keep our humanity intact.

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(This story was prepared for an “Imagine Another World” online storytelling workshop held October 14, 2020.)

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