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Prakash Poudel started an agricultural farm at Pokhara’s Musetuda in October last year. He had hoped the new business would be profitable and he would not have to go back to the Gulf for work. He had started the farm with five cows and buffaloes after returning from Qatar four years ago. The number later reached 15. But these days he is worried about the sustainability of his venture.

Helpers are unavailable and his market access has been blocked due to the lockdown. His overall costs have spiked, along with the price of bran and straw for the cattle. Poudel is uncertain if the easing of the lockdown will help much.

“Bank loans comprise around 75 percent of my investment. If I can’t do business, I can’t pay back,” Poudel says. “If things don’t improve soon, I may again have to go abroad for work—if that option is still open amid a global pandemic.”

He foresees difficulty in delivering his dairy products door-to-door even after the crisis. Seeing fellow farmers in the neighborhood dump rotten vegetables does not give much hope.

There are others like Poudel who expect things to only get worse in the days ahead, lockdown or not.

Mausam Upreti had started a liquor store in Kapan area of Kathmandu after returning from Japan last year. He had high hopes from the store named ‘Bottles’, where he sank a lot of his savings. But just as business was picking up, the pandemic struck and lockdowns started. “The rents are rising. I have to pay almost Rs 200,000 a month in rents. For a new business, it was already a huge burden even without the pandemic,” he says.

For Dipak Bhattarai, a UAE-returnee taxi driver in Kathmandu, the lockdown has meant a total loss of income. He is struggling to feed his family, even as he has to pay monthly bank installments of the loans taken out against the taxi. “I have two more years to clear bank loans. Now I don’t have work. But I still need to pay the loans, room rent, and food,” he laments. For people like Bhattarai who survive on daily earning, things are getting tougher by the day. He too is unsure his taxi business will go back to normal even after the end of the corona crisis.

The government is under pressure to bring back Nepali migrants stranded in Malaysia and Gulf countries. Thousands are waiting to return. But there are no good plans to adjust them into the domestic workforce. Economists worry about an impending economic crisis.

Joblessness is already a big problem. According to Nepal Labor Migration Report 2020 prepared by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, there are approximately 756,000 working-age returnee migrant workers in the country. Likewise, Nepal Labor Force Survey 2017/18 shows only 42.8 percent of returnee migrants are employed; another 13.4 percent are unemployed, while 43.8 percent are out of the labor force.

The government keeps asking Nepali youths to employ their skills and labor in their own country. But it has persistently failed to bring effective policies, let alone implement them, to keep them home. Upreti, the Japan-returnee, says: “The government came up with a policy to give loans to the youths against educational certificates. But the policy is confined to the paper. You can’t imagine the tedious documentation and the many hassles getting this loan entails.”

Bhattarai, the UAE-returnee, says he is tired of listening to government promises. “The announcements of discounts, loans, and tax exemptions are all useless talks,” he says.

Poudel, the Qatar-returnee, complains of high government fees even to register agriculture-related businesses. “How does it then expect to attract the youth to this sector?” he asks.

Often, the migrant workers express their wish to return to Nepal and start a business. The government also keeps urging them to come. But when they return, they have to confront unfriendly policies and corrupt officials.

Siddhartha Gautam from Nepalgunj, Banke, abandoned his Europe plans earlier this year, even though he already had a visa to Poland. Rather, he decided to start a poultry and fish farm at home. Then Covid-19 struck.

His enthusiasm is fading fast. “I see nothing good being done to revive agriculture, which is supposedly a government priority,” he rues. With or without the lockdown, Gautam reckons those in agriculture will continue to struggle for their livelihood without greater state support. 

Bikash Sharma, a lab technician from Kawasoti municipality of Nawalpur district in Gandaki Province, encounters a barrage of fake news on his Facebook page every single day. A few days ago, when he read a post claiming alcoholics and youths in general do not get the novel coronavirus, he could only laugh. Yet this is no laughing matter.  

Nepali Online News, a Facebook group with 1.2 million members, had a recent ‘Breaking News’ from one Aichi Auto, claiming that the death toll from Covid-19 in Nepal had reached nine by May 26, five more than the official figure. Another post by ‘news36media’ said the coronavirus could be on the verge of ‘self-extinction’ as it mutates.

“Many of the posts are pure rumors. Sometimes they are funny, but often they mislead,” Sharma says, as he worries about their impact on unsuspecting people who spend hours scrolling their newsfeed. He himself spends around 3-4 hours a day on Facebook, filtering through the flood of fake information.

The use of social media has increased during the lockdown, and Facebook is easily the most popular social media platform in Nepal. According to Internet World Stats data, as of 31 January 2020, over 10.4 million Nepalis were using Facebook. 

Presently, all newspapers, TV channels, and radio stations use Facebook to promote their content. There is news update almost every second. Even too much of authentic news is problematic in these sad times, but when the authentic stuff is mixed with fake news, it can be doubly confusing. There are plenty of illegal ‘news’ portals that barrage Facebook newsfeed with fake news. In relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, UNESCO and WHO have often raised their concerns about the impact of such fake news.

Ashirbad Adhikari, an aircraft maintenance technician in Kathmandu, sees that in the haste of posting something interesting, people often post wrong information. “For example, people claim the number of corona infections has risen. Even the news portals don’t realize that basing such claim on Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) is misleading,” he says.

Sujan Shrestha, president of Psychbigyan Network Nepal, a youth-led initiative that promotes mental health, thinks the fear created by fake news gradually erodes people’s sense of control and fosters a sense of panic. As the trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic is uncertain, people are always on the lookout for information that might make the future more certain. “Facebook newsfeed is an easy means to do that. But you may also be unnecessarily burdening your mind in the process,” Shrestha says.

This is especially problematic during the lockdown, he says, as prolonged confinement has already weakened people’s cognitive capacity.

Shrestha also mentions the danger of falling for conspiracy theories, such as Bill Gates engineering the pandemic or China creating an artificial virus to sell its products. “If an influential person posts such a conspiracy theory, a fraction of people will certainly believe it,” he adds. “And by doing so they may put their own health as well as the health of their loved ones in jeopardy.”

Pradip Dhakal, an admin of Nepali Online News, the Facebook group that has seen its fair share of fake news posted by its many members, says the act of creating and spreading fake news is a misuse of media platforms. “The registered news portals are less likely to spread fake news than the unregistered and illegal ones,” he says, adding that these illegal portals should be immediately shut. He advises people to rely only on the sites that they know are registered.

Some people blame the Facebook management for ignoring the gravity of the matter. Mark Zuckerberg, chairman and CEO of Facebook, had around a month ago assured immediate action to check the spread of fake news. He claims Facebook has marked over 4,000 pieces of Covid-19 related content as false. Yet that seems to have made little impact on creation and dissemination of fake news during these troubled times.

Whoever you chat with these days, there are only two talking points: the coronavirus pandemic and the Indian highhandedness on Kalapani. Heeding the public sentiment, APEX has in the recent past brought to you common folks’ views on nearly every aspect of the pandemic. Now we talk to people from different walks of life for their take on the Kalapani land encroachment.

A positive message

• Ganesh Karki, 34, blogger 

The unity of both the opposition and the ruling parties on this dispute gives a positive message. That land belongs to Nepal, and the issue should be resolved through talks at government and diplomatic levels. But, first, the Indian forces should immediately leave Kalapani and other disputed lands. Only then will there be a realistic hope of resolution.

Fight with reason

• CP Bhusal, 25, IT expert 

Because of its domineering attitude, India does not have sound relations with its neighbors—not only Nepal but also Pakistan, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, etc. I am proud that my government has dared publish a new map of the country accommodating the disputed but clearly Nepali territories. My suggestion: fight with reasons rather than emotions.

War is unwise

• Sujata Shiwakoti, 22, student 

The land east of the Kali River is ours. And we have paper evidence too. The government will never be able to get back the land without its troops in the Limpiyadhura region. And all Nepalis should support efforts to protect the country’s territories. However, it is not wise to start a war.

Ignoring our people

• Achyut Nepal, 24, travel manager 

Nepal has been indifferent to the people living in Kalapani and Lipulekh areas. I agree that the land belongs to Nepal but our government has always neglected the people there. Nepal should take care of its people. If we were careful, this day may not have come.

Plenty of evidence

• Jagdish Bhandari, 35, historian/photo collector 

The Kali River was marked as Nepal’s border with India in the Sugauli Treaty. And it originates at Limpiyadhura. So the whole area east of the river belongs to Nepal. The census of 1961 provides additional evidence. We can seek UN’s help and take this issue to the International Court of Justice. India has been encroaching on our border as it thinks Nepal is weak and its unstable governments won’t complain.

History on our side

• Radha Sharma, 43, school principal 

Besides the Sugauli Treaty, the records of taxes paid on food-grains by the people of Limpiyadhura in 1938 and the voter list of 1959 general elections are evidences in favor of Nepal’s claim on the territory. We cannot be assured Nepal will get back the land just by issuing the new map. It is important to get the Indian troops to retreat from Nepali land first.

Side of the truth

• Prajwal Luitel, 30, priest 

If we have historical evidence, why be shy to stake our claim? If you are on the side of the truth, you need not fear and compromise the country’s sovereignty. If not, then it is useless to talk. So, first, we have to arm ourselves with strong evidence. 

Need for deft diplomacy

• Aarti Ojha, 23, student 

Our previous governments ignored the posting of Indian troops on Nepali territory. That is the root cause of the dispute. Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura all belong to Nepal. It is necessary to remove the Indian troops from Kalapani through diplomatic efforts as soon as possible.

Stand up and fight

• Sandeep Kattel, 32, lecturer 

If India does not agree to hand over our land, we should show our love for the country and fight for its sovereignty. How long shall we live as cowards? We won’t have any other option if high-level discussions fail. No matter what, we must not compromise with our national pride.

Stop encroaching

• Upasna Upadhyaya, 21, assistant pharmacist 

According to the Sugauli Treaty, the areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal. But India refuses to accept it. So both the countries should come to the talks-table with all the evidences they can marshal. They should come to a resolution. And India should from that point stop encroaching on Nepali territories. 

The workshop of Nitesh Mehta on the East-West Highway (Mahendra Highway) in Inaruwa, Sunsari, used to be packed with motorcycles. On a normal day, he would have no time to sit back and sip tea, his favorite drink. But these days, the workshop wears a deserted look, just like the abutting highway. He has all the leisure in the world but, alas, no business.

The tea stall of Gunjan Chaudhary, about 500 meters from Mehta’s workshop, is almost as deserted. In the few hours he opens in the morning and evening, he serves hardly 10 percent of the regular customers who used to throng his shop.

Other small roadside businesses have similar stories for the obvious reason: the prolonged lockdown.

Province 1, where Inaruwa is located, is relatively better off in terms of road network, with three north-south highways—Mechi, Koshi, Sagarmatha—intersecting the cross-country Mahendra Highway at different places. The province has a diverse terrain, ranging from Kechana Kalan, Nepal’s lowest point (70 meters above sea level) to Mt. Everest, the highest point on the planet (8,848 meters). It has long been Nepal’s political, academic, industrial, and commercial hub.

Due to high public mobility, small businesses along the highways and inner roads have always thrived in the province. But the situation now is bleak. A reliable figure on their total business, however, is unavailable as these small shops are outside Nepal’s formal economy.

Kishor Pyakurel, who owns Ujjwal Dairy and Coffee House in Itahari, another major business center of the province on the East-West Highway, claims that his business had been booming because of ‘competitive prices and services’ on offer—before the lockdown wrecked it.

“We sell mohi [buttermilk], coffee, green tea, and fruit salad. But due to the lockdown, we haven’t been able to sell anything. The coffee machine gets damaged if it is not used for long,” laments Pyakurel.

Pyakurel’s customers are diverse—bankers, government employees, teachers, police personnel, NGO workers, students, locals, and sometimes travelers from nearby places. Many of them hail from Inaruwa, Jhumka, and Dharan. They have stopped coming after the lockdown. “I used to import coffee from India. Now even if the lockdown is lifted, it will be hard to get,” he adds.

Rajesh KC, who runs a readymade store in Nepaltar, Ilam, also has been tallying significant losses of late, and is worried about its sustenance. Travelers passing on the Mechi Highway to visit Pathivara and Panchthar, as well as people from nearby areas travelling for trade, constituted half of his regular customers. They are not coming anymore, neither are local students who frequently bought from him.

“My summer stock of raincoats, shoes, gumboots, bags, and umbrellas has gone to waste. By next year, they will be damaged,” KC says. He used to make around 5,000-6,000 rupees a day from the store, and nearly all that income has now been lost.

Bipin Acharya, owner of Family Sekuwa Corner at Padajungi, Jhapa, has a similar story. He had started his eatery with bank loans on a rented piece of land. He has to pay the rent and give salary to helpers even when there is no business, and he fears the banks will start pressing him to repay as soon as the lockdown ends. “I had hoped to make some profit this year. But everything is uncertain now.”

Acharya’s customers include drivers and helpers of buses and trucks. The business was thriving. “I had started getting orders for parties and events from government and private offices. I used to pay back bank loans in daily instalments of Rs 2,100. And I earned well to look after the family. Now, it’s all gone,” he rues.

As the situation remains uncertain, Pyakurel, the coffee shop owner, is shifting to mushroom farming as an alternative income source. But KC, the readymade-store owner, and Acharya, who runs the sekewa corner, have not been able to try something new.

“Starting a new business during the lockdown is tough here. And you have to start from scratch. I am rather hoping the lockdown ends soon,” says KC. Likewise, for Acharya, taking up another business is not an option. “I have expertise in sekuwa. I don't think I can do anything else immediately.” 

Following the lead of other urban areas in the country, schools and colleges in Inaruwa municipality of the eastern Nepali district of Sunsari have also started running online classes. But this municipality of around 65,000 people is poorly equipped for it. There is no reason to believe it can effectively run or sustain online classes.

Dipesh Dhakal, an accounts teacher at the local Janak Smriti Secondary School, doubts the feasibility of online classes. He himself runs a few online classes for his students every week, and is unhappy with the outcome. “The main problem is the internet. Nepal Telecom is under government possession and yet charges heavily. The speed is also not good enough to handle online classes,” Dhakal rues.

For one thing, Inaruwa lacks stable internet connection. Worldlink and Y Zone, the two major internet service providers (ISPs) in the area, have only just started optical fiber-based internet.

Next, measured against the average income of the people here, the ISPs are charging too much. A high-speed connection is expensive even during normal times. Now under a lockdown, buying an internet package has become harder still. Worldlink charges Rs 5,000 for three months, or Rs 15,000 a year, for a 25Mbps package (unlimited), the most common household package. Dhakal says many people in the rural areas in and around Inaruwa simply can’t afford them.

Worldlink local representatives refrain from commenting on the rates and service quality. When pressed, they answer that, “everything is mentioned on our website.” The other local ISP, Y Zone, too, refuses to comment.

One option for students is to buy mobile data, but that is even more expensive. The two major data sellers, Nepal Telecom and Ncell, have packages that are costlier than those provided by the ISPs. Moreover, their packages are designed for social media use on mobile phones, not for full-fledged online video classes. A Zoom Cloud meeting consumes anywhere between 500 MB to 2 GB of data an hour—and thus not feasible for mobile phones. Also, there is shortage of top-up cards for mobile SIMs during the lockdown, and online top-up is not a convenient method for most people.

Most students of schools and colleges in Inaruwa come from adjoining villages, where the quality of the internet is worse still. It is impossible for them to take part in online classes. Villages in the surrounding Ramdhuni-Bhasi Municipality and Koshi Rural Municipality don’t have broadband internet.

Problems don’t stop there. While most college students may have smartphones with limited mobile data, lower secondary or primary-level students rarely have them. And students from the villages don’t have laptops to take advantage of online classes. As a result, only about half of the students show up in the few classes that are being run online.

“There are 50 students in my class, but only 25-30 join the online Zoom meeting,” says Karlos Shrestha, a grade-9 student at Janak Smriti Secondary School. “My friends from villages cannot join because it is difficult to do so on a mobile phone. And they don’t have laptops.”

As a result, only a few schools and a handful of faculties of colleges are running online classes in Sunsari district. Yet those few benefiting from them are excited. “These things are new, and hence excite many students,” says Dhakal, the accounts teacher. “Yet online classes will be fruitful only with a wider participation.”

Shrestha, the student, thinks difficult subjects like mathematics can be interesting to learn online with the use of all education outlets at the teacher’s disposal. “We get our homework, and submit them, through email. Sometimes we get assignments where we have to memorize stuff,” he adds. “As everything is new, we sometimes face new difficulties.”

The excitement of a handful of students aside, most schools are struggling to run even traditional classes with their limited resources. It is beyond their capacity to arrange online classes. As there is no way of predicting the length of the lockdown, teachers cannot work towards developing online curriculum and gathering teaching material accordingly. Hence only a few higher secondary schools and undergraduate colleges are running online classes.

Nimesh Bhattarai, a BTech student at Sunsari Multiple Campus, says he finds online classes ineffective. “Our college has started online classes. But there is no real teaching, and even less understanding,” he says. Bhattarai adds that the best way to explain difficult topics is still face-to-face communication in front of a real classroom.

Interested in books? You may want to be a part of this Facebook group then.

bOOkahOlics, a Nepali Facebook group established in 2011, has become increasingly popular among the lovers of books and literature. With 15,000 members, it is a platform to explore reading and writing. Entry to bOOkahOlics is open for all. With apparently no vested interest and profit-making motive, the group conducts various events to enhance the reading culture, and to connect readers with writers. 

Saguna Shah, the founder of bOOkahOlics, proudly recalls the days of the group’s infancy. She, along with some of her friends, including contemporary writer Anupam Pokharel—author of ‘Rumi’ and ‘Sadguru’, among others—started the group to encourage reading. Gradually, readers and writers started connecting and the group grew.

The unique spelling of the group’s name immediately catches your attention. “Yes, the three O’s in the name is meant to be catchy. It has now become our identity,” says Shah. The group’s slogan? ‘Reading is not optional.’ Indeed.

With time many literary figures joined the platform and discussions became more regular and vibrant. In 2014, the group, in coordination with Nepal’s noted research institute Martin Chautari, conducted its first Chakati Bahas (cushion dialogue), which continues till date.

The popular Chakati Bahas is held at Martin Chautari, Thapathali, on the first Friday of every English month. Members gather around to discuss, evaluate, and comment on a literary work, particularly a book. The meeting focuses on thematic discussion and comparative evaluation.

Apart from nurturing the reading culture, bOOkahOlics team occasionally comes forward to help the community. After the 2015 earthquakes, they provided books, stationery, and sports items to needy school children.

During the lockdown, the group has been organizing online poem competitions and Shrasta Sanga Sakshyatkar (‘face-to-face with the author’), virtually. Ganesh Karki, an admin who also coordinates events, says over 400 poets take part in the poem competition on an average.

In Shrasta Sanga Sakshyatkar, every day a literary figure is invited for a live Facebook session. Karki says the event has been helpful in connecting readers with writers. Among those invited are Madan Puraskar winners Krishna Dharabasi and Yuvaraj Nayaghare.

“bOOkahOlics can be exceptionally helpful in helping you find suitable Nepali books, and even international ones,” says Dharabasi, a 2005 Madan Puraskar winner.

There are dozens of posts each day. “The kind of response we have been getting, we can say that people do like to read,” says Karki.

Members and followers talk about the inspiration they get from the group. “bOOkahOlics has made me fond of reading during the lockdown,” says Bishab Pokharel, 22, who is studying computer engineering in India. For Kathmandu-based IT student Dipesh Dhakal, 20, the platform is like a well-stocked library.

Followers of Islam celebrate Ramadan during the ninth month of the Hijri Calendar. It is considered the holiest Islamic month when Muslims fast. They don’t eat or drink from dawn to dusk. The month (starting April 23 and ending May 23 this year) concludes with the grand celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr. 

The daylight fast is followed by a feast after sunset, which is called Iftar. Then there is Suhoor, the feast before sunrise. Reading Namaz and offering Zakat (charity) to the poor and needy ones are other main activities associated with Ramadan. People go to mosques for prayers, exchange greetings, and organize large feasts. Ramadan brings Muslim families and communities together in celebration.

But this year, the scenario is different. Like everybody else, the Muslim people are trying to avoid gatherings. They have confined their prayers, feasts, and other celebrations to their houses. The festival this time has become a family affair. Common rituals like taking Suhoor, reading Namaz, breaking fast after sunset, taking Iftar, and doing nightly prayers continue. But in the absence of community and family gatherings, the Ramadan is unusually quiet. 

For Armaan Khan, a businessman from Sunsari, this year’s Ramadan is unique. He shares his experience of turning a small room of his house into a tiny mosque for Namaz and other prayers. “Complying with government directives, we are having Iftar party within the family”, he says. “And we now pay Zakat digitally.” 

The pandemic and lockdown have resulted in considerable financial hardship for many families. As income shrinks, buying nutritious food during the fasting period has become difficult. Ismam Ansari, an IT expert in Kathmandu, says, “Due to the lockdown and resulting financial problem, there is a scarcity of quality food in families. Fruits are expensive. Many can’t afford them.” His only comfort is being relived of his office duties during Ramadan. “There is no work stress and no rush, which makes it easy to fast.”

Mosques across the country are almost empty, which is the most strange during Ramadan. It’s the same abroad. Most countries have closed down mosques and asked people to pray at home. The government of Nepal too has restricted human movement in mosques. The Kathmandu-based Jame Masjid issued a notice requesting people to not come visit for prayers this year. 

For Abjal Khan, a pharmacy student in Kathmandu, the toned-down celebration is fine because the risk of the virus is high.

After praying and fasting, charity is another major component of Ramadan. The lockdown has affected this tradition too. Shamshad Aadil, a social activist from Kapilvastu currently living in Kathmandu, espies a couple of alternatives. He suggests that instead of handing out Zakat, people donate to local governments and help them control the pandemic. The other alternative, he adds, is to offer food to poor families at some safe place. 

Hani Ansari, a pharmacist in Nepalgunj, does not like this traditional way of giving being interrupted.

Another Sunsari native Armaan Khan is relying on the digital payment platform e-Sewa this time. “As the world is being digitalized, we can use online platforms to help the poor and needy. Where there is will, there is a way,” he adds. 

The Covid-19 lockdown has affected people from all walks of lives. And by the looks of things, lockdowns are set to continue, in one form or the other. APEX talked to different folks on how they plan to spend their time during the extended lockdown.

Start farming

Dipak Bhattarai, 33, taxi driver

Like others, I have been compelled to think about sustaining my family amid the crisis. If this continues for some time, I am going to quit driving and start modern vegetable farming, and animal husbandry. I can use my taxi to transport the produce. I am sure agriculture will survive even if other occupations fail. 

Watch sports

Bibek Kumar Yadav, 19, medical student

I am currently pursuing my MBBS. I have to spend a lot of time on my studies. I don’t think that will change even during the lockdown. But I also have a hobby of watching sports on TV. I think if the crisis continues, I will spend most of my leisure time watching sports, and with my mobile phone. Even in a crisis, I like to stay connected with my friends. 

Listen to good music

Dikshya Bista, 24, receptionist

As I work with a TV channel, I have to go to my workplace even during the lockdown. I go to office everyday. I figure the lockdown won’t change my lifestyle and routines much. However, I am practicing social distancing and taking other precautions while at work. Whenever I get a bit of free time, I play some good music. 

Get a new job?

Mukesh Raj Ranjitkar, 48, businessman

I run a printing press. Right now, there is no business aside from urgent work. I can’t immediately switch to other businesses even if the lockdown continues. But, if it goes long, and survival gets difficult, I will consider taking up something else, where I can use my expertise. I think it is about time we stopped discriminating between big and small works.

Take care of the needy

Jeshika Basnet, 18, student

I intend to take online classes and learn new stuff as I think it is a suitable time for that. To begin with, I must stay safe and have positive attitude. There are many poor people as well as animals out there that are suffering. If the lockdown continues, I will help them to the best of my ability. For example, I can give them food. 

Write a novel

Shantiraj Rai, 26, journalist

As I am working in the media, it is my duty to update myself as well as others. I have reduced the number of people I meet. But I need to go to the field for work despite the lockdown. If it continues, I will continue my work and read self-motivation books. In that case, I am also planning to write a novel.

Try making new dishes

Sudip Poudel, 27, finance executive

Life won’t be normal if the lockdown continues. I don’t need to go to work and life is loaded with free time. I am a foodie and fond of cooking. I will try new dishes like whole fish grilled and different chicken items. I also feel happy spending time with my family.

Pick up a book

Sangita Basnet, 20, cashier

I work in a finance company that is open even during the lockdown. So, I have a normal routine. But I am concerned about my studies. If the lockdown continues, I am planning to read all course books myself. Whenever I feel bored, I will pick up a book.

Deep into literature

Rupak Adikari, 29, writer

If the crisis continues, I will be working on my next novel. Currently, I motivate myself by listening to the Bhagavad Gita. I am looking for gifts to give to admirers of literature. While I take care of my health and my family, I will also be doing more literary stuff.

Watch Korean movies

Rakshya Baral, 25, accountant

I am helping out in our factory that bottles drinking water. I take care of the accounts and other office-works. As we are not shut, I will proceed with my routine job if the lockdown continues. Most of my leisure time is spent on TikTok. I will watch as many Korean movie series as I can. I am not a bibliophile, so reading is not an option.