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Sashikant Prasad, 33
Businessman
How are you coping with the bandh?
We have gas at home but our stock of vegetables is about to finish. As the bandh is for a greater cause of Gorkhaland, I am ready to compromise with the creature comforts that I am used to. At the same time, I am not wasting any food, keeping in mind the future. On the whole, there are not too many problems as of now and we will have to compromise if any problem arises in future for the sake of Gorkhaland
What are you missing?
My wife and two children who are in Bihar right now
B.B. Chettri, 57
Teacher
How are you coping with the bandh?
Although schools are exempted, there is very little attendance in classes. But I have not stopped giving lessons as I feel that children’s education must not be stopped. At home, I have told my family not to waste food. Even if the food finishes, I will support the bandh since it is for the betterment of the people living in the Gorkhaland area
What are you missing?
I will not miss anything, but my daughter will miss her BA Exams conducted by IGNOU which is set to start soon
Surya Upasak, 40
Businessman
How are you coping with the bandh?
To begin with, bearing with strike is the least we can do to support the fight for a just cause. Having lived through the 40-day strike in the Eighties, we are not unduly perturbed. I am mentally prepared for a long haul and am making the most of the strike by spending quality time with my family
What are you missing?
In such times, ones misses a lot, but like I said before, all the small pleasures of life pales in significance compared to the struggle for a separate state for us Gorkhas
Sajan Tamang, 18
Class X student of Scottish University Mission Institution
How are you coping with the bandh?
Since schools have been exempted from the strike, nothing much has changed in my day-to-day routine. The only difference is that I have to walk back home in Durpin after school (a distance of about 3km) because taxis aren’t plying
What are you missing?
Going down to the town with friends during the lunch break and having a really good time. I also miss playing football at the Mela Ground after school
Merita Dhendup, 29
Homemaker
How are you coping with the bandh?
Strike or no strike, the daily routine at home does not change much. So it is business as usual. On the contrary, workload has increased for us with friends and relatives dropping by more frequently than in normal times.
What are you missing?
With all shops closed, shopping is one thing I am missing. I also miss eating light snacks in town. The only one not complaining, I guess, is my husband, since my inability go out saves him the money. However, my time will come!
Pawan Sharma, 36
Grocer
How are you coping with the indefinite bandh?
I support the cause for which the bandh has been called and am attending all the rallies and political meetings that are being organised by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in Darjeeling. Apart from that, I am utilising the free time to catch up with old friends and relatives whom I have not met for a long time
What are you missing? Being very, very busy running the store, which is something that I have always enjoyed. Now that the store has been closed, I am missing the work
Nima Lhamu Lopchen, 36
Social worker
How are you coping with the indefinite bandh?
Catching up on household chores, which I had neglected for a long time. I am particularly keen on getting the whole house cleaned. I am also going to Darjeeling Sadar Hospital to take care of needy people who are admitted there. At the moment, I have stocked up enough food at home to last quite a few days and anyway we are ready to face some hardships to achieve the aim of the shutdown
What are you missing?
Getting all my official work done
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