In times of crisis, newspapers are there for you - By Deepti Asthana

Meghalaya has been observing lockdown two weeks prior to the national lockdown that was announced on 24th March. As soon as awareness on COVID spread in Shillong, the normal lives of everyone changed and terms like ‘social distancing’ became the new way of life.

Streets were empty and people were locked in their houses which led to isolation and loneliness in the community.

As per the Government orders, there was a complete lockdown in Shillong and none of the shopkeepers were allowed to keep the shop open. However, Mrs. Priyolyne got permission to keep her shop open throughout the lockdown.

This shop provided to her by the municipality of Meghalaya is her way of earning for the last 40 years. “Only when the newspaper is closed, my shop is closed; else there is no holiday for me. I like my work, I like to be here every day,” says Kong Priyolyne.

Kong, which means sister in the Khasi language, is how people refer to her. Kong Priyolyne opens her shop at 5:30 am in the morning. Different newspaper distributors come to drop their bundle at her shop.

Irrespective of the weather or political situation, the shop is always open. Many people rely on her as the shop is centrally located. “In all these years, I have known so many people who have become friends over the years. During COVID time, people would bring me food, gloves, and masks to ensure my well-being,” says Kong Priyolyne.

‘Kwai’ - a paan served with a generous dose of areca nut, betel leaf, and lime is the common mouth freshener for Khasis. Among many other products, this is most commonly sold at her shop.

Meghalaya has an exceptionally high number of women in the workforce and women street vendors. Kong finds company with other women shopkeepers in the neighbourhood. The women like to work and contribute to the family economy here.

“This shop is everything for me. I got to know so many people and their lives through this shop. This is my safe space and my window to the world,” says Kong while serving one of her regular customers.

“I do not fear anyone. I come and go in the dark every day. When I haven’t done anything wrong to anyone, I believe nothing wrong would happen to me and my customers are always watching out for me,” says Kong.

“I don’t earn much running this shop and there are often unexpected expenses. Last month I got hit by a young boy, the same age as my son. My glasses broke and I couldn’t say anything to him. He was just like my son,” says Kong upon asking her daily income.

Kong Priyolyne is taking a nap in her shop. The shop is literally her second home as she ends up spending more time here than her own home.

“I can’t wait for the pandemic to be over. It has affected my sales. Also, now people read a lot on mobile phones. But the young people don’t understand the relevance of an actual newspaper. You can’t compare it with reading news on phone,” says Kong.