The latest disaster that the world has witnessed and many countries have experienced is the massive, destructive ocean waves-Tsunami. It made the world into a shock striking on the coastal areas in many countries devastating thousands of lives and livelihood and property. We have seen and heard about the impact of this deadly disaster in our country too. The loss of lives and property and the aftermath is unimaginable.
We pay homage and pray for all who lost their lives especially the fifty YCS/YSM members. We express our solidarity with the victims who lament the loss of their dear and near ones; who lost their houses, property and livelihood and who are in fear and suffering severe trauma. We are grateful to God for those selfless and dedicated souls who, amidst risk and danger went about rescuing and saving many human lives.We congratulate and thank them. People and governments around the world came forward to support the victims. Our entire nation too has woken up to the need of the situation lending a helping hand. I am also aware that many of our student leaders were involved in the rescue and relief operation. The cells/units, animators, chaplains and regions have responded to the needs of the unfortunate victims in various ways.
Everything is over! Now, let us not waste our time and energy, though it may look important, in discussing/to discuss ‘why such a tragedy happened?; is it a punishment?; how the machinery of government failed to give a warning when it occurred at/in different phases from one end to the other; political parties trying to score off each other taking advantage; the evil fanatics blaming the minorities for their selfless service and humanitarian concerns; partiality in distribution and misuse of funds and so on.
But need of the hour is to reach timely help to resume the livelihood of the affected. It is time for everyone-the government, political parties, voluntary organisations, societies, groups and individuals to team together and give a better future to people. We together ensure that relief and rehabilitation procedures are carried out in a sustained manner.
All should remember that our responsibility is not over with the donations and contributions alone. It begins from now on. That is to participate in the process of building the lives of the victims. YCS/YSM should come forward to enter into the lives of the children and students who are orphaned and wounded; who are in fear and trauma; who are in need of material and moral support etc. The dark cloud that has settled on these lives should be removed. This is my wish that all the members of our movement respond and reach out to the people in need.
It is true-we can not stop the natural disaster from happening. But the effect and impact wrecked by such calamities can be reduced if our approach to nature is holistic.
“Every tragic end has meaning in life and we can start anew now”.
- I. Peter SVD
National Chaplain