The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it not only a health crisis, but deep social fractures — poverty, hunger, migrant exodus, violence and death. Among them were quieter, often overlooked stories of childbirth and survival, shaped by isolation, risk, and resilience. Stories of women entering motherhood amidst the pandemic were equally frightening and soul-wrenching but also concealed with courage, strength and perseverance.
We narrate the story of Shakuntala, wife of a migrant labourer, who walked 70 km before giving birth on the roadside. She then rested for 2 hours and walked another 160 km to reach home with her newborn child.
Another story narrates the struggle of a pregnant woman from Kannur who tested positive for COVID-19, despite this, the newborn was born COVID-19 free. Keeping the infant alive, isolated from her, feeding him milk was the true test ahead.
Their struggles no matter how different and incomparable are driven by a zeal to stand up, fight back and defeat the unbearable pain, even if it means walking a hundred kilometres with a fragile life in hands.
Through this video production, we hope not to glorify suffering, but to witness strength, question systems, and honour the will to endure.
This is a performance rooted in real lives, inviting reflection on what it means to survive and to move, when support is scarce.
Cinematography and Editing: Amalnath R
Artists : Anjali & Ponnu Sanjeev
Thudippu Title Music : Vishnu Sivasankar
Special thanks : Futham Malbro
Singer : Bombay Jayashri
Album : Vatsalyam