Uttarakhand is passing through an unprecedented disaster. CAG
blames UK Government for ill preparedness and politicians of course blaming
Gods for the cloud burst or each other. End of the day, lots of lives will be lost, property
destroyed; netas carry aerial surveillance; announce relief packages and
thereafter life continues as normal and very soon a new scam would take over
and people will forget the disaster less those who have suffered.
Incompetence and lethargy of the governments of the day is
well known, but what is deeply agonising is the human greed to exploit the
tragedy. People from hill regions are more God fearing and humane in their approach
to life. However the stories of greed and loot from the returned devotees are scary.
Chapati which costs Rs 5/ and rice plate costing Rs 10/ being sold for Rs 300
and 500 respectively.
The NGOs who shout from roof tops on each and every issue
and super rich temples/ gurus seem to be absent. During the Latur earthquake of
early 90 vintage similar greed amongst tragedy was very apparent but the
Gurudwars and RSS, a few HAM based operators and one of the TATA group youth
brigade did wonders and restored one’ faith in the human good.
Langar run by one of the gurudwars, probably Nanded did
untiring service in provisioning of cooked meals and there was never a clamour
for media or any other glory.
RSS and TATA youth brigade restored the dignity amongst the
dead. The human and animal dead bodies were rotting and rains rescue efforts
more difficult and rotting bodies became worse. One saw young, well-educated
boys and girls carrying masks and small entrenching tools and removing the dead
without vomiting or disgust. It was done with so much discipline and dignity,
it was amazing. Being present there and from uniformed background it was with
great pride to see the youth rise to such great heights of charity in time of calamity.
Surprising the local youth and some disciplined uniformed people were busy
looting. Then there was a group of HAM operators, these people were so
effective in meeting the crisis that it was sheer joy to see them working so efficiently.
In one instance there were thousands of stoves delivered but without kerosene
oil. This group managed to get it overnight when the official machinery
appeared totally paralysed.
Then there were elderlies who came in for emotional support
as loss of near and dear ones is disastrous. This group advised in a very
interesting mix of religion, deeper meaning of life and recital of bhajans and
satsang. The results were quite amazing. During the Tangdhar earthquake
disaster a few years back the grudwars and Satsang dera Beas did such a
commendable work that one has to see it to believe it.
Where are the Hindu organisations? The community claims to
inherit the oldest civilisation known for sacrifice and the concept of we are
the world. Our politicians do not take a minute to tear apart each other when
it comes to their vote banks. Where are the swamis, temples, gurus who have amassed
wealth in this hour of calamity? The only action one had read in reports is Baba
Ramdev sending significant consignments from his personal funds. Where are the
others? Gone into hiding. Shame on them all. Wish they had come together to
rebuild Kedarnath and extend support by sending their devotees. Modi has
offered to foot the bill but knowing Congress’s scare of Modi, they will
neither do it themselves nor let him do it. Never expect government devotees to
be half as efficient as the devotees. See kar sevaks if there is any doubt.
Where are the super-rich temple committees hiding? Starting
from Vaishno Mata to Tirupati and Sai baba who have assets worth millions not
contributing financially or with human help.
Where are the Ambanis, Tata, Birla and other industrialist
who make such tall claims towards corporate social responsibility?
There appears to be little effort by million plus Hindus to
help out their people in distress. Apart from blaming the Government or going
on media for self-glorification, sincere effort is lacking.
If things continue this way, the community and religion
known for what is best amongst the humanity shying away from sacrificing, the
indicators are clearly we are hurling toward doom and be prepared to be ruled
by outsiders as always.
For God sake arise and Make a Difference
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