In our Stories from Lockdown series, Indian skeet shooter Maheshwari Chauhan talks to us about how the lockdown has allowed her to slow down, take some time off, and learn not to take things for granted. She emphasises on the importance of having a positive mindset during these trying times, and doing our own bit for the community.
“What I’m loving the most about this lockdown is definitely spending time with my pets. I don’t get to do it enough but now we’re inseparable all day,” the 23-year-old shooter says. The only thing she misses is being able to go out and grab a meal. “I miss going out and eating the most. I get to do a little bit of shooting training at home. But I’m craving sushi and I miss eating out,” she shares.
Her life pre and post lockdown is quite different, and how she explains, is it seems like something very fast paced has come to a halt. Which, when enjoyed guilt-free, has its own charm. She says, “It’s almost like an instructed detox for everybody, to slow you down, focus on things that you enjoy, hone your skills. I feel like this was a much-needed break from my hectic lifestyle – between practice, workouts, and living in a city like Delhi, which is anyway very fast-paced.”
The biggest lesson she has learnt during this time, she says, is gratitude, and counting her privileges. “I’ve learnt that things are not permanent. The fact that about 40-50% of our countrymen are suffering, and unaware of where their next meal will come from, it’s so sad, and it makes me feel so fortunate. We take such basic things for granted like having a place to call home because we think it’s a given. It’s a very humbling experience.”
Image Credit: Maheshwari Chauhan
“My family and I are trying to do our bit, not just for people, but also for stray animals. But there is only so much one can do, and I hope everyone will do their bit and come together as a community,” she adds.
When asked how she’s coping and keeping her mental health in check, she reflected that it’s almost like she was trained for keeping a positive attitude when approaching a situation. “Sports teaches you the importance of every moment and your mindset approaching that moment, and I’ve decided to take that approach for the duration of this lockdown, which I’m sure will go longer than any of us is expecting it to. So I hope everyone can use this time in the best way possible.”
Image Credit: Maheshwari Chauhan
The one thing she hopes everyone can get out of self-isolation is to take a much-needed break from their fast-paced lives. “I just want everyone to slow down, and turn this around for themselves. Because not everyone has the luxury to just stop whenever they wish to. And now is when we can really enjoy and do those small things that bring joy, and spend quality time with our dear ones.”
Stories From Lockdown belong to everyone — the heroic healthcare workers on the frontlines, the content creators making isolation a little less insipid for all of us, the celebrities giving us a glimpse into their lives, the neighbourhood do-gooder who makes sure the less privileged are taken care of — and we’re here to tell those stories. Each one of these narratives deserves your attention and, while you’re at it, we encourage you to come forward and tell your own story. For this is the time to come together (albeit, virtually) and give each other a little more than just hope to cling on to.
Lead and Social Image Credits: Maheshwari
