As told to Saptaparna Biswas (BOMBAY TIMES; April 23, 2020)

I moved to this co-operative society, which I currently stay in, when I was just 19 and all alone in this big city. The residents here made sure that I never felt lonely and helped me. They became my family away from home. So, when the Coronavirus lockdown was implemented, my first thoughts were for this family that I have been living with for so many years. Almost 80 per cent of the residents here are senior citizens, who are generally quite independent and self-sufficient. But, in these tough times, I wanted to establish a fully functional strategy that gets them everything they need.

Since I’m also a part of the society’s managing committee, we members have put together a system in place where a vegetable and fruit vendor comes here twice a week. The process of getting essentials is personally supervised by us in order to ensure social distancing is maintained. We keep the area clean and also take turns to water the beautiful garden. Recently, a few of us celebrated one of the member’s 85th birthday, of course, while maintaining the social distancing guidelines, on our floor. These are small things that matter to them and make them feel cared for.

The biggest lesson I have learnt in this time is about the importance of empathy and collaboration. Mindless consumerism and wasteful consumption are probably why we are where we are today. I have been saying this for a while, that we have to take care of nature to survive. I have started an online series of videos to bring more focus on living responsibly. I am the cameraperson, light person, make-up artist, stylist — in short, a one-woman army! I’ve been involved in so much reading, writing and advocacy, that being at home is not a challenge for me. I also give enough time to yoga and meditation.

I hope this crisis makes us understand the value of freedom. Going forward, we need to simplify our lives and have empathy for people and our planet.