Looking back, 1st +ve couple from Nagpur says fight it out

Nagpur: The first Covid-19 positive couple from city — Rajendra and Avanti Jodhpurkar (TOI has taken their permission to publish names) — not only defeated the novel coronavirus with their positive attitude but also set an example in front of hundreds of those who have been infected by novel coronavirus.
It’s been over 100 days but the Jodhpurkars still remember every moment of the day — March 11, 2020 — when Rajendra tested positive.The month’s period that followed was full of struggle — on mental, emotional, physical and social front — for the entire family.
Among the many things the couple wants to share with others, foremost is the support they got from family members, friends and “inner strength they derived from faith in almighty”.
“Today, no one has to go through the kind of shock or trauma me and my family experienced. Lots of information and data is available now. Many hospitals, care centres, test labs are ready and protocols are known. Nothing of it was known to me when I tested positive. What I knew was only through some references from China,” said Rajendra, a software professional who got infected during his Atlanta tour between February 26 and March 6.
Avanti was one of the first patients admitted in GMCH. Rajendra was the first patient at IGGMCH.
“It was a shock, a depressing moment when I became the second patient to test positive. It was difficult for me to accept that I have to stay in isolation ward for 14 days,” said Avanti.
With a local newspaper revealing their identity, the couple’s kids — a college-going son and a school-going daughter — also had to face trouble in their respective institutions.
However, the family has left behind the trauma and struggle, and doesn’t want to blame anyone.
“We are happy that we are the first patients who recovered in Vidarbha. Even after discharge from hospital, we were in home isolation for almost two weeks. Yoga, spirituality, exercise and good food was part of our routine,” said Avanti.
She also thanked doctors, calling them as real Covid warriors. “They are working 24X7. Apart from timely medical care, I also got psychiatric counselling. It was the first experience for the doctors too but they handled it so professionally,” said Avanti.
“When you get a support from family, friends and keep faith in almighty — every battle is won,” she said while lighting a traditional lamp in their drawing room.