Navigating Hardships: A Phenomenological Study of Pain, Struggle and Survival of Daily Wagers in Kashmir amid Catastrophes

Catastrophes like the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent stringent lockdown have profoundly impacted individuals worldwide, with India notably affected. Regarded as one of the most significant natural disasters in history, the Catastrophe prompted numerous countries, including India, to implement lockdown measures to mitigate the spread of the deadly infection. However, the aftermath has revealed an economic crisis across both organized and unorganized sectors, severely affecting the means of livelihood. Among those hit hardest were the daily wage earners. Against this backdrop, this study endeavors to explore the lived experiences of daily wage workers amidst Covid-19 lockdown in rural Kashmir. It seeks to illuminate the impact of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown on the lives of these individuals. Adopting a phenomenological approach, the research aims to grasp the essence of the participants' lived experiences in depth. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 14 participants, aged between 36 and 52, including two females. The findings underscore the profound challenges faced by daily wage workers during the stringent confinement period, with many experiencing hunger and other hardships. The repercussions extend beyond physical health, encompassing job loss, heightened anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, and instances of child abuse, thus exacerbating the distressing circumstances faced by this vulnerable demographic. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted relief programs and robust social safety nets to support daily wage workers during crises. It emphasizes the importance of integrating economic aid with mental health support and educational resources to address the multifaceted impacts of lockdowns on marginalized communities. This study provides a nuanced exploration of the compounded hardships faced by daily wage workers in Kashmir during the Covid-19 catastrophe, highlighting not only the immediate economic and physical impacts but also the deep-seated psychological and social repercussions. By focusing on the intersection of economic instability, mental stress, family violence, and educational disruption, it underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these multifaceted challenges and mitigate the adverse effects on marginalized communities.