Our corona diary. [Text and photo by Mitushi Pandey] I close my eyes in self-isolation from corona and I see bougainvilleas blooming in their glory under the teasing winter sun—existing exactly the same way I last saw them, months ago, on my favorite street. I see kind smiles and hearts untouched with hatred and erroneous truths. I'm calm, in this world unconsumed by the deadly virus, with a secret revolution brewing in my nerves. I see myself strolling around the city, humming golden tunes by Lata Ji and Rafi Sahab, somewhere in the embrace of deodars and Mynas. There's only love; no rage, no disappointment. Only peace spreading its wings and taking me to places within myself. I open my eyes and

Our corona diary. [Text and photo by Srishti Singh] I close my eyes in self-isolation from corona and I see the turmoil within. The fear of not knowing what comes next and feel the aura of uncertainty hovering above the world. As soon as I make contact, I recoil. With a renewed sense of purpose, I turn back to my minuscule self in this vast universe and put everything into becoming a sliver of light. A beacon of positive vibes. A ray of hope for all shrouded within the darkness. With God(s) long forgotten only the power within can save us. I seek myself, my power, to heal. “We the Isolationists” series urges folks from any part of the world to share a

Our corona diary. [Text and photo by Tejaswini Gadhave] I close my eyes in self-isolation from corona and I see myself reliving the sociable and busy life I had carved for myself in the last four years in Bombay, away from home. I see myself getting ready excitedly for late evening dates, wondering what to cook on weekends, running around buying groceries while also ending up shopping something else, constantly looking for good plays and theatre to catch-up in my free time and traveling back home to the warmth of my old city and family once in a month. I now close my eyes to feel the warmth of that old, free and outgoing life that seems so far away. “We the Isolationists”

Our corona diary. [Text and photo by Tawfeeq Irshad Mir] I close my eyes in self-isolation from corona and I see the colourful birds resting on the door panes emulated with surreal symphonies. The environ around summons me as if I haven't attended the court of ecology. I craved to live in a city, but this pandemic modified my thought pattern, at least I am able to visit orchards, feel fresh air, I am able to walk by the stream, I’m able to tread for an evening walk. In contrast, it wouldn’t have been possible while being in a town or city. “We the Isolationists” series urges folks from any part of the world to share a brief diary starting with

Our corona diary. [Text and photo by Indrani Dasgupta] I close my eyes in self-isolation from corona and I see an altered pace of a world that was just until the other day a haven for relentless pursuit of personal gains. I see the battery inflicted by the nature and the fitting response of mankind, unified in the search of a cure. A pursuit is still around, but the pace of that race is defined by a search for a common good. I see a vaccine, forcing abdication of the corona. “We the Isolationists” series urges folks from any part of the world to share a brief diary starting with “I close my eyes in my self-isolation from Corona... and I see...”

Our corona diary. [Text and photo by Poushali Chakraborty] I close my eyes in self-isolation from corona and I see things which ‘were’ so close but yet so far ‘now’. But there again I see myself living a life which remains a dream for many otherwise. I see my dream vacay with my aging parents gradually biting the dust. Yet grateful for getting to spend such time with my precious ones. I see my career goals leaving the driver’s seat. Yet thankful enough for a roof above and enough food to eat. I see myself finally, living the essence, they call LIFE. “We the Isolationists” series urges folks from any part of the world to share a brief diary starting with “I close my eyes