Summy
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I am sure everyone heard about the stampede at the Naina Devi Mandir in HP a couple of weeks ago. Naina Devi holds significance for hindus in many ways. Sadly, at the top of hill where people were accenting to, there were rumors of a landslide (or a railing breaking) which created a stampede. 146 people lost their lives, mostly women and children. Although this gain steam in the western media (when was the last time you heard less barbabic depictions of India in the western media?), I think they reported on it purely for the shock factor. Reading up on the clean up effort, and the recovery was something that made me realize what nature Punjabi's really comprise of. Regardless of religion, people step up for each other.
The majority of those victims (99) were also punjabi and had their residence in Punjab. When the sikh community heard about the tragedy, they stepped forward and showed what the country and our community needs more of. The resources at the support clinics started to run out of medicine, food and basic supplies. The government basically abandoned the clean up effort.
Sikh from various areas hearing about the tragedy, put together missionary crews, and helped transfer bodies to the native places. Some people travelling huge distances to accompany the body and to make sure it is treated with the respect. The HP government that were there a day after the tragedy told the families that it was their responisbilites to ID and transport the bodies to their homes. The responisbility of getting the bodies to the homes were given to Sant Bab Lagh Singh and Sant Baba Jarnail Singh who arranged 50 trucks to transfer the bodies.
To show that it was respect more than just getting the job done?.... They provided immense amounts of ice to ensure that none of the bodies decomposed and reach their home town looking respectful. We probably have all lost a love one, and we would all hope that people treated our loved one's bodies with dignity the way they did. They also provided langar and tea to the family members and the victims of the tragedy throughout the day, not denying any amounts of food to anyone. They have vowed to be there until it is completely cleaned up.
The story reminds me of what separates us from differen cultures. You hear about tragedies in America, and all over the world, but when people can ban together over a tragedy like this, and not go after who's fault it is, but rather how we can make it better, it makes me realize what great amount of potential that our people have.
The government's response to the tragedy? For the families who lost someone: 100,000 Rs, for those seriously injuried 50,000 Rs., and for those hurt 20,000 Rs.
Sometimes its not money but compassion that people need from their government. But when the government doesnt care, sometimes you have to lean on the shoulders of your family.
The majority of those victims (99) were also punjabi and had their residence in Punjab. When the sikh community heard about the tragedy, they stepped forward and showed what the country and our community needs more of. The resources at the support clinics started to run out of medicine, food and basic supplies. The government basically abandoned the clean up effort.
Sikh from various areas hearing about the tragedy, put together missionary crews, and helped transfer bodies to the native places. Some people travelling huge distances to accompany the body and to make sure it is treated with the respect. The HP government that were there a day after the tragedy told the families that it was their responisbilites to ID and transport the bodies to their homes. The responisbility of getting the bodies to the homes were given to Sant Bab Lagh Singh and Sant Baba Jarnail Singh who arranged 50 trucks to transfer the bodies.
To show that it was respect more than just getting the job done?.... They provided immense amounts of ice to ensure that none of the bodies decomposed and reach their home town looking respectful. We probably have all lost a love one, and we would all hope that people treated our loved one's bodies with dignity the way they did. They also provided langar and tea to the family members and the victims of the tragedy throughout the day, not denying any amounts of food to anyone. They have vowed to be there until it is completely cleaned up.
The story reminds me of what separates us from differen cultures. You hear about tragedies in America, and all over the world, but when people can ban together over a tragedy like this, and not go after who's fault it is, but rather how we can make it better, it makes me realize what great amount of potential that our people have.
The government's response to the tragedy? For the families who lost someone: 100,000 Rs, for those seriously injuried 50,000 Rs., and for those hurt 20,000 Rs.
Sometimes its not money but compassion that people need from their government. But when the government doesnt care, sometimes you have to lean on the shoulders of your family.
