Another test of our universal faith lessons: love thy neighbor, service to humanity, recognition of our intertwined destiny as a human family is before us. Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, needs our help and prayers as it faces a staggering nightmare caused by a powerful earthquake that has left wide-scale destruction and loss of life. Imagine the shock-magnitude: the quake has lowered the height of Mount Everest and elevated the anxiety-levels as it shattered many dreams and is causing untold anguish.
A devastating earthquake (7.8 on Richter scale) struck the Kingdom of Nepal on April 25 and the aftershocks have continued since. The confirmed death toll is over 8,200; many more thousands are injured; claimed lives of several Everest climbers from many nations. Over 100,000 buildings are destroyed including ancient shrines and historic monuments. The quake has disrupted lives, brought hardships to millions; shelter and food remain a critical concern with approaching Monsoon rains. The aftershocks are further damaging the fragile infrastructure, leveling more buildings, triggering avalanches, multiplying widespread fear and anxiety. National and international disaster relief efforts continue amidst frequent and furious complaints of incompetency, coordination problems, challenge of unfolding disaster and access to remote areas. As always in times of crisis, the ever-compassionate faith communities are engaged in endeavors to save lives.
Let us see things in geographical, inter-faith, and humanitarian context:
Nepal (capital: Kathmandu; population: 1 million; area: 19 square miles; elevation: 4,600 feet) with its fabled attractions, including Mount Everest, forms a land-locked stretch along the southern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains, sandwiched between India and Tibet; an estimated population of 30.4 million in a land area of 56,804 square miles (size of Arkansas) spread across hundreds of settlements, some above 9,800 feet in rugged and inaccessible terrain. The majority population is Hindu; Buddhist, Moslems, Christians, Sikhs, and others make up the rest. Over 54% of Nepalese are literate; tourism, now devastated, is its main source of revenue.
Over 300,000 Nepalese live in the U.S.; a small number in Indiana. YETI (Youth Enhancement Training Initiative), founded by Jeff Papa of Zionsville, supports a school for orphans in Nepal. As of now, all 26 children and their school have survived the earthquake. God's reassurance is at work: volunteers of many nationalities are helping the dislocated population with tents, food, medicines, recovery operations, and rebuilding efforts. Recently, ready-to-serve food was airlifted from The Golden Temple at Amritsar; The United Sikhs and other faith communities are assisting the injured, hungry, and grieving families. The U.S. and Indian Governments, disaster relief agencies, Asian Diaspora, Red Cross, World Food Program are in the forefront, with many countries rushing critical supplies and personnel.
The task and struggle ahead is formidable and frightening. Sustained long-term efforts and resources will be needed to put Nepal back on its feet: to heal the spirit of people; restore livelihoods; rebuild schools, shelters, hospitals, historic and ancient monuments; repair land-links to stranded communities across the mountain passes and valleys.
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| Kanwal Prakash 'KP' Singh |
In coming months, humanitarian solidarity and visionary initiatives will be welcome:
In the spirit of time-honored American tradition of stepping up with incredible resourcefulness and celebrated generosity: we could adopt a destroyed village, school, clinic, or monument; restore and rebuild the designated site(s) as a symbol of hope, healing, and Hoosier goodwill; create a lasting bridge of friendship, dedicated to faith in our shared humanity.
Indianapolis, Indiana USA <> www.KPSinghDesigns.com <> May 24, 2015
[ "This article, in an edited version, appeared in The Indianapolis Star Faith & Values column on May 31, 2015." -- Ed]
