Waiting for the silver lining...

I remember having a chat with a friend on a hypothetical situation of the end of technology, going back to the stone ages and having to defend ourselves against the fury of nature. One would imagine that stressful situations, disasters and natural calamities bring out the worst in people. It only seems logical. They could either bring out the worst in people … or bring out the very best possible. And I am so grateful for having witnessed the best!

I was almost living that hypothetical situation for 3 fateful days from 1st to 3rd December, 2015 when Chennai faced the worst rains and floods in the last 100 years! I was separated from my husband and had no way of reaching him or my family. I was welcomed into my friend’s place (a spirit mirrored by thousands others who took in unprepared individuals stranded in the city with no means to make it home). I feel lucky to have merely survived rains, power cuts and no mobile network while the worse hit areas of the city are still awaiting rescue operations that could result in life or death.. awaiting basic amenities like drinking water, food, shelter. 

One can just be a mere spectator while we face a power bigger than us all and hold hands to help save each other. This is what I experienced. People opening up their homes to complete strangers, putting the needs of children and elderly before their own, rushing for aid unasked, first hand, or financial, or acting as guides to provide relevant transfer of information. I saw celebrities use their power and reach to do good, spread the right call and actionable messages..I saw my friends from neighbouring cities gather relief material and travel all the way to the affected areas.. I saw people stepping out of their houses to help others rather than to simply salvage whatever possible for themselves. I saw people take action rather than simply point fingers at "God", “The Man”, “The Govt”, “amma” or whatever be it..It shows what is our ultimate priority and I urge you to hold that close.

Its a simple choice made by the majority of people.. to act humane and do the right thing. I would like to believe that everybody has this feeling in their heart.. to reach out and help others in need. Open your eyes and see how you can make the world a better place. You might not be able to save an entire city.. But your actions can help atleast one person and provide relief for a couple of minutes/hours. I believe that is the need of the hour. We are very much capable of altruism… Just need to avoid the poison of media and politics.. 

This is now personal. I want to play my small part to get the city and the people back on their feet. I hope you are inspired to join…