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Video Producer: Maaz Hasan
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
Being one of India’s best universities, Jawaharlal Nehru University is not only famous for the scholars that it has produced over the years but also for the dhabas (eateries) that served inside its campus 24X7.
For decades, apart from being a stop for various kinds of food items, these dhabas have served as addas for all kinds of discussions, from science to politics and protests.
I spent two years at the JNU campus before the pandemic struck. There was never a day I didn’t stop by a dhaba for a cup of tea, snack, and discussion, and trust me, I was not alone. I would see many other groups of student gatherings doing the same.
But in the past year, the pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to these eateries forcing these dhabas to close and turning these addas into ghost spots.
Now, since the second wave of COVID has started to recede and with the JNU administration giving some relaxations to run these dhabas till 10 pm, I went to meet Bharat bhaiya, who runs the famous 'Ganga Dhaba' inside the campus.
Even Dhaiya uncle (Karamvir Dahiya), someone I have known since my IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication) days, had to go through a really tough time because of the pandemic.
While some dhabas have reopened, others have shut permanently due to the loss in the past year or so. And since only final year students and PhD scholars have been permitted to return to the campus to access laboratories and for examinations, customers are hard to get.
As a student, I have always felt that these addas have played a crucial role in the lives of the students and the same was reiterated by these current students when I spoke to them.
The same reflects in the bond that dhaba owners like Bharat bhaiya and Dhaiya uncle share with the students. “I came here (Delhi) from Haryana. Who will I ask anything from, who will help? I have faced a lot of trouble. However, I get a lot of support from students,” says Karamvir Dahiya.
Even though some of the dhabas have reopened, the owners are scared that if a third wave hits and a lockdown is imposed, it would be unlikely that they would be able to survive.
On the other hand, Dhaiya uncle has not lost all hope. "If there won't be another lockdown, we have chances of making a comeback. It might take time, say one, two, or three years, but we will definitely comeback. We and the students will be safe again,” he says.
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