Lockdown Routines: Charudutta Panigrahi Working On Book, Musical Projects

Charudutta Panigrahi has always led a regulated life. During the time of lockdown, it is even more so.

“The difference is that there is no travelling now, so I have so much time for myself. I can put in more work, with my friend — the laptop — constantly helping me reach out to everyone and everything,” says the public policy expert and author.

He gets enough time to contemplate and think on various topics and put together his thoughts. “I share my thoughts with family and friends… I also chat with relatives, siblings via video calls within India and outside to get get a perspective of the global repercussions of this deadly pandemic,” says Panigrahi.

He reveals that he’s currently working on three projects simultaneously –– a musical, one on history and a compendium on Odisha. “These were on for some time but now they are gathering pace,” Panigrahi says in a tone of contentment.

He’s also catch up on reading. “I am given to parallel reading, about two books anytime. Currently I am on ’21 lessons for 21st century’ and ‘Hippy’. Both books are gripping and influential. And when books are influential, you tend to go into a trance,” says Panigrahi who has earmarked early morning and the evening for his reading and writing activities.

Panigrahi’s day starts with household chores. “I take charge of sweeping and mopping the floor with dish-washing at times. Then my office work starts dot on office hours. Since I wake up very early, I get enough time to space out my work — household, official and personal creative work,” signs off Panigrahi.