With the shutdown we learnt new terminology and actual forms of social or physical distancing. In India, where already distancing and untouchability existed based on the caste system, many of us objected to the term ‘social distancing’, which in the rest of the world meant keep a distance and do NOT be social, or hug and maintain 6 feet distance.

Now, in this cramped and densely populated city, one cannot even find a foot of a distance. Intruding on one’s body space is commonly witnessed. As soon as the lockdown was announced, the BMC drew geometrical designs on the pavements to ensure citizens followed the protocal and stood away from each other.