Peeking Through An Uncertain Future: Batch of 2020

The consequential dire circumstances of the global pandemic followed by the announcement of the nationwide lockdown on 24 March 2020, stemmed jeopardy and uncertainty all around the nation. The immediate closure of schools and colleges had a hostile impact on the students, making them the most hapless and disadvantaged batch. Peeking through a sceptical future, the pupils had no choice other than steering through the lockdown aloof at their homes while waiting for the outbreak to cease so that they can return back to their everyday lives. This, unfortunately, seems like a long shot even today. As the lockdown kept extending indefinitely, the perturbation induced because of quarantine kept becoming evident in the lives of the students day by day. 

 

Marking the words of a third-year student of the University of Delhi, "I am encountering the adversity of delayed exams. With neither any study material available nor any support from the authorities, the pressure has been clambering every day. Being an outstation student, I don't have access to my equipment and resource material here, back at home, which has further created difficulties to cope up with the current situation." The graduating batch of 2020 that had strived to propel their next big academic stir after their annual exams, found themselves in a state of crisis when their exams were being continuously cancelled or postponed every month. Adding further to their misery, students who were offered jobs in college placements feared the worst, as most companies had begun rescinding job offers as well. 

The swindles of digitization in quarantine were not only restricted to college students. School children also found it incredibly problematic to cope up with the present curriculum in the absence of a learning environment. Rather than helping their case, the new normal only diverted them from their studies. 

Numerous aspirants who had been preparing for competitive exams were also put at a standstill, without any assurance about the actual date of tests. The preexisting apprehension of exams was only coupled by the impatience so caused resulting in mental stress and an utter lack of concentration. Severe mental health problems like anxiety and depression also observed a subsequent rise. 

Students would have been in a state of total euphoria right now if it was not for the pandemic to cancel farewells, after-parties, and also maybe an unrealistic yet hopeful plan for a Goa trip. But besides the daintiness, perhaps what the students miss the most even today are the simplest of things. The early morning hassles, the daily metro travel, socializing with peers, the uncontrollable laughter with your companions, and grabbing food off your friend's plate at canteens. All of these are the sweet memories which everyone has no option but to cling on to for now. There is no definite answer as to when the situation will get better, but what everyone can try is to stay connected, informed and content. Standing in solidarity with the batch of 2020, considering what they are missing, the day will shine bright on everyone.