The tour of ‘Amar Photo Studio’ was cut short and they had to return from USA last week. For Nipun Dharmadhikari, it happened to be a family get together at his brother’s place in Atlanta, where his parents were visiting. During this crucial time they had to take all necessary precautions, before they luckily got their tickets for their return trip to India.

On his return to India, Nipun has proudly praised the authorities handling the situation at the airport. ” They were checking every passenger. There was a line stretching for nearly half a kilometer. The documentation was good. The doctors were working very seriously and with complete dedication. We were stamped and are under home quarantine till the 4th of April. After the stamp they gave us a poster with do’s and don’ts while being quarantined at home. At the immigration they noted our address and again we were divided in groups of 8-10 people. An officer was assigned to each group who waited till everyone collected their bags and led us outside customs till we reached the prepaid taxi stands. Then again, they documented our basic info and left.”

Nipun further adds, “On reaching home, the next day we received a call from Shivajinagar Police station where they confirmed our details. Very politely, they asked us not to step outside the house, which we agreed to. In the evening, we received a call from Pune Municipal Corporation officers who came home to visit. We asked them if it was safe for them to come home, to which they replied that they are wearing gloves and masks and wont take more than a few minutes after which they will sanitize themselves. They gave us another pamphlet with do’s and don’ts, applied voters ink to our fingers and gave us a number on which we have to call them everyday and report our well-being. They even told us that they will get us any groceries and supplies if needed. The reason for sharing all of this is, that while I am reading many posts about how poorly India is handling this,my first hand experience is different. At least at the administrative level, India is handling it very seriously. Much much better than the USA.”

Nipun has however expressed his anguish after watching the videos of idiots coming out on roads in groups and celebrating at 5 PM on last sunday. “This was meant to be a moment wherein we thank the authorities. Authorities who are really doing their jobs. And these idiots might have just taken us to the next stage of this pandemic. To everyone reading this…. can we please stay at home and help our country and the society as a whole? It’s ok to feel bored.. it’s not the end of the world. But if you get out, it might just be…” he added.

Amey Wagh, who is also under home Quarantine , also shared his experience. “I was remembering my family. But, my courteous neighbour Sonali Kulkarni sent lunch box for me and Sajiri. It was a wonderful gesture from her. And this offered both of us the required positivity at this crucial stage. I appeal to all of you to remain at home during this lockdown period and be positive. ‘Go Corona Go’!”