ENGLISH ARTICLES

The Pogrom In Making - Prayers Of Peace
A pogrom is distinct from a general sectarian riot because it involves the targeting of a particular minority group and a certain degree of complicity of the state. The culmination of the period of unrest during the anti-CAA protests was a brutal pogrom that started in Northeast Delhi on February 23, 2020. An analysis of the data on death toll reveals that there is a clear religious disparity in the people who died in the pogrom. Nearly 51 people lost their lives, out of which only 13 were Hindu and 38 were Muslim. The events were set in motion when Kapil Mishra, a BJP leader who had just lost his seat from Model Town in Delhi assembly elections, sparked the violence by inciting a Hindu mob to violently remove a group of Muslims who were blocking a road in north-east Delhi in protest against the CAA. Addressing the peaceful protest, Mishra issued inflammatory remarks to attack Muslims which resulted in a massive eruption of violence, and arson. The pogrom spanned over four days with the Delhi police seen complicit in the violence witnessed. During the pogrom, Muslim-owned businesses and property were set ablaze, their shops were demolished and many Muslims were killed while others were beaten up by Hindu mobs. The fact finding reports submitted by the Delhi Police to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) termed anti-CAA protestors as 'antiHindu' and 'Left-jihadi' elements who were conspiring to create unrest and resentment. The police displayed gross negligence in putting a halt to the violence. Let alone controlling the violence, the police allowed CAA supporters to hold a counter protest very close to the anti-CAA protest site and overlooked Kapil Mishra's inflammatory speech. There are numerous accounts of people calling the Police for help when goons were trying to break into their houses or beat their family members, but the police remained a silent onlooker to the pogrom. Additionally, the violence could have been avoided or controlled if the Rapid Action Force was deployed when violence broke. Now, about 7 months after the pogrom started, the Muslims of Seelampur, Jaffrabad and other localities in Delhi are still reeling with the shocks of the dark days in February.
![Delhi, India- A man offers "Namaz" at Mubarak Masjid at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_15-copy-1-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A burnt Cupboard in a 3-storey house at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_17-copy-1-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A burnt 3-storey house at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_18-copy-1-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Riswana Parveen, shows image of a burnt car used to transports Eggs by her husband at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_19-copy-1-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Mohammed Hussain shows images of damaged house at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_21-copy-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Damaged Roof of Mubarak Masjid at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_23-copy-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Ruksar(L) with her Mother-In-Law Noorjahan(R) stand in front of under-construction house at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_24-copy-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A road leads to Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_26-copy-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A man offers "Namaz" at Mubarak Masjid at Old Garhi Mendu village, Shahdara in Northeast Delhi on September 21, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200921_GarhiMenduVillage_NorthEastDelhi_27-copy-150x150.jpg)














The Indian Housing Crisis
The Supreme Court passed an order on August 31 for the demolition of jhuggis along the 140km of railway tracks in Delhi. There are large clusters of shanty settlements alongside the tracks in the city, amounting to nearly 48,000 jhuggi jhopdis. There is severe uncertainty over the rehabilitation prospects of these inhabitants due to the involvement of various stakeholder organisations including the Central Government, Delhi Development Authority and Northern railways. The government has ensured that they won't demolish the jhuggis unless the rehabilitation measures are in place. However, the tussle or shared responsibility of this situation paints a rather grim picture for the future of these people. During a raging pandemic where livelihoods have been severely affected, the government has not only failed to control the rising unemployment or failing economy, it has rendered the fate of these people hanging in uncertainty. Thousands of families are at the risk of being evicted without a suitable housing alternative during dire times. The screeching sounds of the railway track fills these jhuggies just as uncertainty and hoplessness loom above these innocent lives. These are the worst affected communities by the pandemic who aren't left with much to hold on to in the first place. At such a time, destroying their homes is a severe blow to the faith these people put in the political parties that pander them for votes for a few days every five years.













Deadly Wastelands
Bhalswa landfill is one of Delhi's primary dumping grounds for dealing with the city's massive waste output. Following heavy overnight rains on August 13, 2020, a portion of the landfill collapsed, injuring three people and destroying jhuggis (shanty settlements) in the neighbouring region. Looking at landfills as a part of our 21st century modern cities gives a harsh perspective on the gaping inequality and disparity. These landfills are a reminder of our fragmented society; the 'have's and 'have not's; the mountains between the privileged that live a few miles away from these towers of waste, and the destitute workers who live in these polluted areas and make a living off waste segregation. Landfills are perceived with repugnance and distaste by city dwellers, but they fail to recognise and accept the grim reality of our lives which suffocate the planet and the poor everyday. As the mountains of waste gain higher peaks, the struggles of life for the people living in the shadow of society and those mountains rise at a higher rate.
![Delhi, India- Washir Ahmed(47), a waste picker looks at damaged shanties as section of the Bhalswa landfill collapsed in north Delhi after heavy overnight rain on September 10, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_01-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A waste picker walks near collapsed section of Bhalswa landfill in north Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_02-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A dog rests in water around solid waste material as section of the Bhalswa landfill collapsed in north Delhi after heavy overnight rain on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_03-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Segregated plastic bottles lie infront of a damaged shanty at Bhalswa landfill in north Delhi after heavy overnight rain on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_05-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Rahima, a waste picker segregate solid waste at the Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_08-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A child with a bag walks next to solid waste bags at the Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_09-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Segregated tooth brush at Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_10-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A waste picker covers a segregated waste bag with a flex at Swaroop Nagar near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_13-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Waste pickers segregate plastic at Swaroop Nagar near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_14-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- An E-Rickshaw is stuck around solid waste at Swaroop Nagar near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_16-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- An E-Rickshaw is stuck around solid waste at Swaroop Nagar near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_16_1-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Sewage Waste gather next to residential structures at Swaroop Nagar near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_19-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Childrens play in ally's of Swaroop Nagar near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_21-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- Women Waste pickers stand next to a solid waste bag at Bhalswagaon near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_24-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A Waste picker carries drinking water jar at Bhalswagaon near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_28-150x150.jpg)
![Delhi, India- A Waste picker packs plastic waste in a bag at Bhalswagaon near Bhalswa landfill in North Delhi on September 10, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry/PAIGAM network]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200910_BhalswaLandfill_Delhi_29-150x150.jpg)

THE SHRAMIK (WORKERS) FAR FROM HOME- Shram Ko Naman
The COVID-19 Pandemic has exacerbated the existing gaps in social class and privilege. The faultlines of class in our society that run deep and wide are clearer now, more than ever. While the quarantine is taking its toll on almost every citizen, certain sections of our society are still vexed with access to food and basic necessities. During this state of uncertainty and global turmoil, migrant workers are perhaps facing the most pressing adversities of all. 'Migrant workers' are often described as those workers who migrate within their own country or outside it to pursue work with no intention of staying permanently at their area of employment. Due to the way it has been defined, the term 'migrant worker' cuts across people in different industries and income groups to encompass a large section of the society that has changed addresses for work. However, people with higher-income and stable jobs enjoy many privileges that have made the lockdown quite comfortable. Only a subset of the group of migrant workers is facing woes of the pandemic. This subset includes seasonal workers, manual labourers and individuals characteristically involved in physical labour in low paying jobs. These are the migrant workers that need government support and attention. During this outbreak, work and employment have not come to a standstill for many people. The workfrom-home policy being adopted by many corporates is offering saving grace to multiple employees. However, due to the physical and manual nature of their job, migrant workers like construction workers, domestic help, street hawkers, manual labourers etc. are unable to resume their work at full swing. For instance, most construction projects have been brought to a temporary halt, and subsequently, demand for physical labour has fallen. Thus, the pandemic has brewed a state of intense uncertainty for these daily wage workers who have been now pushed to the margins. The problems faced by the migrant worker seem endless. The absence of employment has cut off their source of income and livelihood. Their low incomes and wages generated little or no savings in the past to fall back on during these rainy days. Access to basic necessities is a struggle while these workers wait in long serpentine lines for government support and rationed food. In the midst of these existential perils, other problems surround these workers. For instance, the issue of travel. During these perilous times, many workers would prefer to be back in their hometowns with the rest of their families. However, travel restrictions and lack of money to explore more expensive alternatives forbid that from happening. Moreover, migrant workers often do not have stable and proper housing in their city of work. Thus, the question of home and housing arises for them as well. The government is trying to offer relief and aid to such migrant workers, for instance, through relief camps. Unfortunately, these solutions come in a package with long lines and bureaucratic red-tapism. Battling the issues of survival and livelihood, clad in face masks, the migrant workers patiently wait for the times to improve.
![Pune, India- Pune's Naidu hospital Isolation ward for Corona Virus check up in Pune city on March 05, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_01-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Deserted Mumbai-Banglore Highway as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced "Janata Curfew" a Voluntary Curfew for people of india amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus at Chandani Chowk, Pune city on March 22, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_03-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Pune Police barricade at Paud Phata on Karve road as Commissioner of Police ordered ban of private vehicles as precautionary measure amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus at Pune city on March 23, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_04-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Pedestrians cross a wall painting creating precautionary awareness against Corona virus at Dahanukar colony amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city on March 26, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_05-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Homeless stand in a queue at Gogate Vidyalaya PMC school, Narayanpeth amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city on March 29, 2020. School under PMC were ordered to open for beggars and homeless on Saturday. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_06-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Temporary Vegetable and Fruit Market at Golibar Maidan by Pune Cantonment amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus at Pune city on April 01, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_07-150x150.jpg)
![Parantwadi, India- A Gardner plucks let over rose flowers at a rose nursery at Parantwadi village, Maval district amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city on April 05, 2020. The export quality rose flowers are plucked from polyhouse daily and are thrown away due to the COVID 19 Pandemic conditions. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_08-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Hotel rooms are lite up as word "HOPE" of hotel NOVOTEL PUNE as to mark concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 09, 2020.[Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_09-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A horse keeper at Sarsbaug Park amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 12, 2020.[Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_10-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Pune Police detain citizens Violating lockdown orders at Jedhe chowk, Swargate amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 16, 2020. Around 150 citizens were booked walking and travelling on bikes on Thursday morning. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_12-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Migrant Sugarcane workers push the cart upside down at Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory at Kasarsai-Darumbre village in Pune district, India on April 20, 2020. The Maharashtra state government has decided to allow over a lakh migrant sugarcane workers to return to their native village amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus at the Sugar Factories [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_13-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Water cans and buckets are gathered by people at Uruli Devachi area in Pune city amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Pune city, India on April 24, 2020. People get water from one tanker a day in morning time by the Pune Municipal corporation at Uruli Devachi. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_14-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Hand bags are seen lined up as People wait in a Ration line at Paud Phata area amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Pune city, India on April 27, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_15-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Stranded Migrant workers and people of different states of India stand in a queue for medical health certificate at District Hospital in Aundh amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Pune city, India on May 04, 2020.The Maharashtra home minister has declared that collectors of various districts have been made nodal officers who will be issuing the permission forms for stranded people. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_16-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Private agency Bouncer security at a Wine shop in Deccan Gymkhana area to control crowd buying liquor in Pune city, India on May 05, 2020.[Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_17-150x150.jpg)

![Pune, India- Migrnat workers from Uttar Pradesh arrive at Pune railway station in Pune city on May 09, 2020. The second train from Pune district will travel from Pune Railway station to Lucknow in Uttarpradesh[Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_19-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Patients recovered from Corona Virus are welcomed by doctors and staff at the campus of National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR), an Isolation ward at Baner,Pune city on May 10, 2020 . Twenty four Corona Virus negative patients were sent home on Sunday afternoon in Pune. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_20-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Migrant workers travelling to eastern part of Maharashtra state at a private bus parking at Wagholi in Pune city on May 12, 2020. Migrant workers stranded in Pune city are gathering at Wagholi as the private buses are travelling to state border cities amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus .[Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_21-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Stranded Migrant workers climb a truck travelling to Uttarpradesh at Shikrapur village on Pune Ahmednagar Highway near Pune city on May 12, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_22-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Stranded Migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh wait in school ground at Shirur village on Pune-Ahmednagar Highway near Pune city, India on May 13, 2020. Pune Rural Police stopped workers from travelling ahead to Maharashtra borders as arrangements were made via Train and Buses for the migrants to native states amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_PUNE_JM_CNES_23-150x150.jpg)

Masked Heroes- Shram Ko Naman
Amidst the rising death toll due to COVID-19, the cremation of Corona-affected bodies has become the task no one wants to take up. As a result of their marginalised status, the migrant workers have drawn the short stick as they brave their way in crematoriums across the city. This photo essay seeks to capture their story and draw attention to their a valuable contribution to society while working at crematoriums in this pandemic. They say Superheroes have capes and suits, so do these workers. Behind the green masks are faces of warriors fighting the virus and taking on challenges no one wants to. Unfortunately, like their faces, their identities and contribution also remain hidden and masked. Salute to these hidden heroes and their brave contribution to our society.
![Pune, India- Volunteers of Popular Front of India Organisation perform last rights of a Covid dead body at a Cemetery in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 14, 2020. Four Corona Virus deaths were reported in Pune city on Tuesday. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune01-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Volunteers of Popular Front of India Organisation perform last rights of a Covid dead body at a Cemetery in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 14, 2020. Four Corona Virus deaths were reported in Pune city on Tuesday. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune02-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Volunteers of Popular Front of India Organisation perform last rights of a Covid dead body at a Cemetery in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 14, 2020. Four Corona Virus deaths were reported in Pune city on Tuesday. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune03-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A Fireman sprays disinfectant on an Ambulance which carried a Covid dead body at a Cemetery in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 14, 2020. Four Corona Virus deaths were reported in Pune city on Tuesday. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune04-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A Fireman sprays disinfectant on Volunteers of Popular Front of India Organisation post handling a Covid dead body at a Cemetery in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 14, 2020. Four Corona Virus deaths were reported in Pune city on Tuesday. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune05-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers with improper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) suits at the Gas Furnace Crematorium in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 17, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune06-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers with improper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) suits carry a dead body of Corona Virus case at the Gas Furnace Crematorium in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 17, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune08-150x150.jpg)

![Pune, India- Workers with improper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) suits carry a dead body of Corona Virus case at the Gas Furnace Crematorium in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 17, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune10-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers with improper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) suits carry a dead body of Corona Virus case at the Gas Furnace Crematorium in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 17, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune11-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers sprays disinfectant with improper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) suits at the Gas Furnace Crematorium in Pune city amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city, India on April 17, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/COVID19_DeathWorkers_Pune12-150x150.jpg)

Narratives of Resilience-Shram Ko Naman
As the economy tries to get back up on its feet, the stories of resilience run across demographics. From sex workers to business owners, the pandemic has, albeit disproportionately, brought a storm of economic concern in the lives of the people. Amidst uncertainty and naive optimism, all economic actors are responding differently. As gym owners protest and demand the re-opening of gyms and unions fight for job security, hotels breathe a sigh of relief with permission being granted for hotels to reopen. Migrant workers rush back home, local businesses get back up on their feet and sex workers find aid in the hands of NGOs. After 7 months of the pandemic, some journeys of struggle and hardships are reaching a sweet end, while some are reaching a climax. Each narrative of resilience tells a different story; some of gracious help at the 11th hour, some of a ray of hope, and some of bravery and courage in voicing dissent. In an amalgamation of hope and despair, communities are coming together to unitedly face the storm; be it NGOs stepping up, unions setting to the streets or migrant workers taking the same bus back home. As the pandemic plays out, these stories are yet to finish
![Pune, India-Carts at Sanjay Gandhi Vegetable as market remains closed at Khadki Cantonment Board area due to rising Covid-19 cases in Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune01-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A worker repairs a horse carriage in a Containment Zone at Deccan gymkhana amid COVID-19 pandemic in Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune02-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A horse keeper plays with his horse at Sarasbaug Park amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus in Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune03-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India-Carts at Sanjay Gandhi Vegetable as market remains closed at Khadki Cantonment Board area due to rising Covid-19 cases in Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune05-150x150.jpg)
![Kamshet, India- Shanta Jadhav(53) gather plastic sheets in a rose poly house damaged due Cyclone Nisarga at Vadivale village in Kamshet near Lonavala on June 04, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune06-150x150.jpg)
![Parantwadi, India- A Gardner watch burnt rose flowers at a rose nursery at Parantwadi village, Maval district near Pune city The export quality rose flowers are plucked from polyhouse daily and are thrown away due to the COVID 19 Pandemic conditions. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune07-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Dailywage migrant workers register as they wait for the buses to depart at Katraj chowk in Pune city on May 16, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune10-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers travel with belongings on a tractor on Mumbai-Banglore Highway at Warje area in Pune city amid rising cases of Corona virus on June 02, 2020. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune11-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Shops remains closed at Khadki Cantonment Board area due to rising Covid-19 cases in Pune city on July 09, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune13-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Members of "Maharashtra Vij Kantrati Kangar Sangh" a contract labour union protest in a "Warkari" (devotee) attire announcing statewide strike for permanent jobs outside MSEB's "Prakash Bhavan" at Senapati Bapat Road on the occasion of "Ashadhi Ekadashi" in Pune city on July 01, 2020.[Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune14-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, india- Members of Pune Fitness clun Association protest at Pune Municipal corporation to strart the Gym's in Pune district amid COVID-19 Pandemic in Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune15-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Staff at JW Marriott hotel disinfect property at the hotel in Pune city on August 04, 2020. Pune Municipal Corporation(PMC) orders reopening of Hotels, guest houses and lodges in Pune city limits with 33 percent occupancy from August 05. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune17-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A vendor sell mask and face shield at Rajiv Gandhi Nagar at Parvati area, a Containment Zone in Pune city on June 24, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune18-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Mask with Super heroes and cartoon characters printed are put on sale at a sports shop in Narayanpeth in Pune city on June 24, 2020 [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune19-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India-Members of Social group along with Saheli NGO hand over Dry ration sacks to sex workers in Budhwarpeth redlight area in Pune city on June 23, 2020. The Dry Ration was distributed to 2000 sex workers and their families living in 400 brothels in budhwarpeth. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune20-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Vegetable vendors leave Shree Shiva Chhatrapati Market Yard as it reopens amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel corona virus at Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune21-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India-Carts at Sanjay Gandhi Vegetable as market remains closed at Khadki Cantonment Board area due to rising Covid-19 cases in Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune22-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Shops remain closed at Mahatma Phule Mandai area amid rising cases of Corona Virus in Pune city [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CNES_DailyEconomy_Pune23-150x150.jpg)

Bittersweet Days-Shram Ko Naman
Migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh would find rich employment opportunities in the Sugarcane belt around Pune. As migrant workers scurry back home amidst coronavirus concerns, jaggery production schedule has taken a different turn. This small-scale business is working on diminished capacity as only 10% of migrant workers decided to stay back. Now these workers burn the midnight oil as production facility runs 24 hours a day, with workers working in 3 shifts. As Maharashtra, the government allowed over 1 lakh cane-cutters to return to their hometowns, the workers face a dilemma — to continue sugarcane cutting over virus fears or risk-taking the virus home with them. The promise of some employment offers respite, but the days are still only bittersweet. Facing the uncertainty and trials of seasonal employment as the sugarcane season passes by, the migrant workers from UP are caught between a rock and a hard place. With the fear of the virus looming over them and the closure of many sugarcane mills for the time being, the migrant workers are weathering this storm to the best of their abilities.
![Pune, India- A Migrant Sugarcane worker folds a Tarpaulin sheet next to Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory at Kasarsai-Darumbre village in Pune district, India on April 20, 2020. The Maharashtra state government has ordered to allow over a lakh migrant sugarcane cutters to return to their native villages amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown from the Sugar Factories. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200420_SugarcaneMills_Pune01-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A temporaray staying facility for sugarcane cutters next to Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory at Kasarsai-Darumbre village in Pune district, India on April 20, 2020. The Maharashtra state government has ordered to allow over a lakh migrant sugarcane cutters to return to their native villages amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown from the Sugar Factories. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200420_SugarcaneMills_Pune03-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Trolleys loaded with Household items of sugarcane cutters next to Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory at Kasarsai-Darumbre village in Pune district, India on April 20, 2020. The Maharashtra state government has ordered to allow over a lakh migrant sugarcane cutters to return to their native villages amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown from the Sugar Factories. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200420_SugarcaneMills_Pune05-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Carts used by sugarcane cutters at Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory at Kasarsai-Darumbre village in Pune district, India on April 20, 2020. The Maharashtra state government has ordered to allow over a lakh migrant sugarcane cutters to return to their native villages amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown from the Sugar Factories. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200420_SugarcaneMills_Pune06-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A temporaray staying facility for sugarcane cutters next to Sant Tukaram Sugar Factory at Kasarsai-Darumbre village in Pune district, India on April 20, 2020. The Maharashtra state government has ordered to allow over a lakh migrant sugarcane cutters to return to their native villages amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown from the Sugar Factories. [Photo by Jignesh Mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200420_SugarcaneMills_Pune09-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A worker from carries a pile of sugarcane to be crushed at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune02-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A worker puts sugarcenae in a crushing machine at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune03-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers heat up the sugarcane juice from one vessel to another at a Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune06-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A worker cools down the jaggery to be put into buckets at a Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune08-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A worker puts plastic cover on jaggery brick to be delivered at Jaggery making workshop at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune09-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A worker puts plastic cover on jaggery brick to be delivered at Jaggery making workshop at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune10-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A worker empty a cart of dry Sugarcane Bagasse after crushing at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune11-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers dry Sugarcane Bagasse after crushing at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune12-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers carry dry Sugarcane Bagasse to be used as fuel at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune15-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Workers carry dry Sugarcane Bagasse to be used as fuel at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune16-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- A cart loded with dry Sugarcane Bagasse at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune18-1-150x150.jpg)
![Pune, India- Jaggery stock to be delivered at Jaggery making plant at Thorat Wasti in Sahajpur village on Pune-Solapur Highway in Pune distirct on May 14, 2020. The jaggery business mostly runned by migrants has suffered due to lack of manpower in season time amid Government imposed nationwide Lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus. [Photo by Jignesh mistry]](https://paigam.network/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200514_MigrnatsJaggeryProduction_SahajpurPune20-1-150x150.jpg)