One with the agony

New Wave

Almost two weeks after the floods, Kashmir presents a picture of devastation and agony. As the relief work goes on, many are still stranded while others fear outbreak of diseases. Even as the waters recede, young people here in the City, who have friends and relatives there, have been gathering every bit information they could and taking to social media platforms to connect. Students in the City express their oneness with the victims even as they point out the need for better preparedness to face such disasters.

Basic rights

Komal Jakar, a final-year BSE student from Indian Academy Degree College, says, “The country is not prepared to face calamities because we are more focussed on commercial activities and political games, Bollywood and cricket. We are not concerned about people which is a shame. Safety is the basic right of a person. We need to first address the grass-root issues facing the country before we get global recognition for all other activities. Kashmir has always been a very sensitive state. Thanks to the political drama in the state, key issues faced by the people are being neglected.”

Kudos to Army
Fawad Ahmed, a first-year MSc (Bio-Technology) student from Indian Academy Degree College, says, “I hail from Srinagar and could not contact my family for seven days which was frustrating. I had to call up my friends in Delhi to get any news about my family. I could only get information from Facebook and through media but was unable to speak to my family for a week. There was a long delay in taking action by the state government, it was like they were invisible. It’s the Army who took the step forward and rescued the people, our Army has done a commendable job, and I want to thank them for that. It’s because of them, my family is safe today.”

Revival of tourism
Sharath Venkatesh, a second-year BA student from St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science, says, “The tourism industry of Jammu and Kashmir might be temporarily affected by this disaster but it is bound to recuperate. The industry will not be affected by this disaster as the central government has showed that we are capable of handling disasters. The fear might exist among people who come from outside, but things will get better.”

Room for more
Yashaswini MP, a final-year BSE student from Indian Academy Degree College says, “We had á fund-raising programme in our college for a week. The students and the faculty donated money and did out bit to support the people of Kashmir. I feel only a small group of people are working towards this cause. The Government there should do more by providing basic amenities to those affected. Government should be more prepared when a natural disaster strikes. Prevention is always better than cure.”

Lessons to learn
Somanna PC, a second-year BA student of St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science, says, “It’s when something bad happens that we learn new lessons. It’s about time we learn from such instances and prepare for the future. Also, it is important that other state governments too  extend their resources to ease the situation. When a disaster strikes, what often lacks is water, food and medical-aid, and we need to be prepared accordingly.”