When pandemic boosts confidence, COVID sustainability

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Even during the pandemic, many migrants from other States remained here confidently taking to various means of small-time trades including selling mixed varities of eatables. Some among them even changed their trade to survive in these COVID-19 induced hard times.

Mention may be made of this smalltime trader from Bihar who sells what is popularly known as "Pani puri" or "Puchka. "Why should I go home when there is no certainity there?" posed Virendra Singh, a resident of Pynthor here.

He added, "Though I used to sell near the All India Radio, it is now prohibited there. However now, I've been carrying on my business by moving from one area to another. This is how I'm sustaining my family."

Another 'channawala' said that he is doing menial labour jobs. He stated that around 50 of them are working as daily labourers. Asked as to why they do not return to Bihar, he said, "It will be tough for us to earn in our village," adding that "at least, we're able to manage daily meals of rice and lentils here."

Despite the hardship during these COVID-19 times, these people are staying put in thier own clusters spread in areas that are also considered rather susceptible to coronavirus. Interestingly enough, most of them are aware of coronavirus; and they appear determined to puruse their professions.

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