Chapter 2: chapter 2

When I entered college as a guest faculty in English, somewhere in my heart I felt to acquire a doctorate for permanent engagement. The delayed payments, equipping detailed class records, and strictly maintaining the schedule compelled me to get the highest degree in education. I earned the reputation of students' favourite teacher in college. Many times I was complimented for my dressing skills and style of teaching. I saw a great deal of academic improvement in my students. No doubt some tribal professors glanced at me with a frown and often looked down considering me a temporary faculty. Yes, class, caste, service, gender, and grade discrimination are still prevalent in our so-called modern society in different ways and the educational sector is not an exclusion.I had relentlessly surfed the internet to check for an authentic private university for a PhD degree wherein I will be awarded the honour in time. And my search was worth it as I was able to find the best University for research work. After completing the admission procedure I donned another hat of a PhD research scholar with added responsibilities.My school was running on in full swing. I made it a point to greet the kids on their arrival. I was nurturing numerous kids in the town with my personal touch. My school is the most trusted preschool in the town with the highest enrollment ratio. Over the years it had acquired name, fame and recognition. I had never comprised with the quality of education. I strive hard to maintain the trust of each parent. It is an institution run by women except for only a security guard fixed at the main gate. I had employed several girls and women who had never stepped out of their houses to work. Together, we were a team of around twenty members looking after the interests of children and parents. The news channels, social media handles and newspapers circulated crucial evidence regarding the spread of a dangerous virus sucking the life of people in China. The deadly virus was termed as Covid 19 or coronavirus. Day by the day the intensity of the news increased creating a panic situation among individuals. I got to hear all the beds in hospitals were occupied, there was no place in the cremation grounds, a separate hospital had been built to treat the patients, and so on. People said the virus is taking thousands of lives as there was no medicine or cure. The disease was contagious and spreading at a rapid rate. It was very difficult to believe in the facts and findings. I assured myself, "China is situated overseas. The virus will not travel to our country from so far. Even if it transports, it will not reach my town." With this thought in mind, I remained undisturbed by the happenings abroad. The previous academic session ended in the first week of  March 2020 and the new session was about to begin on 21 st of March. I had taken a lot of admissions like usual times and done all the preparations to welcome the new kids. On the other hand, according to the reports, the first case of the virus was already reported at the end of January. Since then the virus started spreading like an erupted volcano imposing a threat on the Nation. Nothing was predictable. People celebrated the festival of colours with fervour unaware of the precautions.On the first day of the new session, many kids came to school and  I took a few more admissions. Never in my life, I had imagined that this will also be the last day of the new session when I will see my kids present in school. A nationwide curfew was observed the next day followed by a complete lockdown for twenty-one days to break the rapidly spreading chain of the virus.