Lockdown Routines: Self-Isolation Has Helped Rekindle The Writer In Me, Says Namrata Chaddha

As a social activist, Namrata Chaddha is busy round the clock, throughout the year.

She has to get involved and help the victims whenever there are cases of domestic violence, police atrocities or negligence of government officials.

“I normally have no holidays and no time for myself,” says Chaddha.

But the nationwide lockdown, necessitated by the outbreak of novel coronavirus, has come as a boon for her.

“This social distancing and self-isolation have helped rekindle the writer in me. I have got this golden opportunity to compose poems again,” informs Chaddha.

She, in fact, is getting time to write daily. “Some days are more productive, with my thoughts giving shape to some beautiful poems… But there are also days when I end up with some incomplete, broken lines,” admits Chaddha.

“I hope I will be able to fulfil my childhood dream of publishing my book by the time this pandemic ends,” hopes Chaddha.

Her interest in writing doesn’t mean her routine activities have stopped. She does virtual counselling every day and also rescues old abandoned women with the help of local police.

She also spreads awareness about the deadly pandemic to the ‘safai karamcharees’ who have been working tirelessly to keep the roads and streets clean, even in these times of crisis. Like all good citizens who are pitching in to fight this enormous battle, Chaddha provides them masks and gloves, and explains to them the importance of self hygiene.