" Oh, mother earth are you infuriated or oppressed?
Why your own land has become so deplorable?
Why are children and old groaning in agony?
Why is the swill of floodwaters making everyone thirsty?
Why are foods and farms under your gnawing teeth?
Is the endless deluge is nothing but your rage?
Or is that we have done something blasphemously wrong?"
I am sure these words must be pounding in every person's head in GOD'S OWN COUNTRY.
The Malabar Coast of the nation, kissed by the Arabian Sea, sprinkled with palm-lined beaches, backwater, mountains and spice plantations are panting for breath. All this happened in the month of the ONAM...the harvest festival of the state! But what are we reaping this year? Pain, misery, distress, hopelessness and above all homelessness.
Now that the Kerala flood has been declared as 'SEVERE CALAMITY' funds are pouring in from around the world. Nevertheless, the deluge-ravaged Kerala doesn't need rehabilitation it needs a rebuild. And the courage and resilience of our fellow countrymen can reassemble and reconstruct Kerala in a better manner, I am sure of that. But keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the floods and landslides in Kerala, the funds needed for this elephantine task is colossal.
The political tussles are on one side and harsh realities on the ground on another. Some authorities say we want to donate others say we don't want to accept. NDRF has released 600 crores, but much more is needed to accomplish, recondition and rehabilitate GOD'S OWN COUNTRY.
We as a humble citizen can contribute too, even if it's a drop in the ocean. Dears, 'little by little fills the pot'! And donation in kind and cash are the best options (donating your old clothes and shoes and earning some dharam-karam is a big NO in the name of contribution).
And, we are in no dearth of inspiration for the same:
An expectant mother’s water bag burst - a life she was nurturing for the months in her womb was in danger. She survived and gave birth to a baby boy after being airlifted. Contribute for many such lives those were ushered into this world in such grave conditions and have no home to go back.
A months old child whose mother kept her in the vessel to float above the water at the mercy of water gods. She might have been rescued, but she has to live beyond this.
For the elderlies who are almost in the last leg of their lives and of course didn't deserve to see this anticlimax on the peaceful piece of land.
To appreciate the stellar contribution of Indian forces, to adore their valour and sense of duty. This one picture portrays the commitment and dauntlessness of our Jawans. Contribute to make their efforts more meaningful.
SALAM as a salutation for the hundreds of NGOs who worked day and night selflessly. They can only spread their wings only if we contribute generously.
For all the mothers and fathers, who have spent sleepless nights so that their children can sleep peacefully. Let's become benefactors for such mothers so that they can also catch a few peaceful hours of sleep.
A big shout-out for all the volunteers you have worked relentlessly for the welfare of distressed people, unperturbed.
And last but not the least, a homage to all the pandits, priests and Maulvis, who rose above the religion, caste and creed to show respect towards the humanity. Out of the catastrophic episode, if something has shown the ray of hope, it is the reflection of unity and integration. This indeed calls for a celebration in the otherwise fractured nation.
However, if none of the above motivates you, look at the million-dollar smile of this gentleman. His livelihood (probably) on his shoulder and a complacent smile on his face when he is deep down in the water will surely make you think... ‘We can still celebrate life’.
