2020 is when we learnt to value our home and security all over again  

Prayag Shukla
Poet and painter

It has been painful. Even birds and animals have had a tough time. The redeeming feature is that we learnt to value our home and the sense of security it provides. Even migrant workers, I believe, have looked at home differently. Perhaps people became more aware about the climate.

Vishal Choudhary
Fruit Seller

It has been a curse. Cannot say what sins we committed but I will not wish such a year for even the worst enemy. Earlier we could never save but managed to make ends meet. Now we are deep in debt and fail to sell fruits even after keeping the shop open till late night.

Purushottam Sharma
Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha

A turning point. The year began with massive protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and is ending with the farmers’ agitation against farm laws. In both we have seen an increasing participation of women and the young, of singers and actors, poets and painters. This is the dance of democracy

Abdul Samad
Tailor

The world came crashing down for us this year. The threat of the virus was scary but we couldn’t afford to work from home. Then the lockdown confined us indoors. Savings dried up. Even loans were hard to come by. Work has shrunk. Can’t see any light.

Aamir Saifi
Repairman

Took loans to treat myself and my ailing parents. When work came to a halt, started selling vegetables. Earned around Rs 200 or so every day, which was not enough to feed 10 members of the family. Did not receive any help from the Government. My life is in a mess.

(As told to Ram Shiromani Shukla)