The whole of North India is reeling under cold wave conditions! There has been the all too familiar news of rising death tolls and mind you, this is only what the media has covered and reported but what about the many that wither away - unreported and unsung?
Why can't we think in terms of shelters, equipped with all the basic facilities to ward off the harsh weather conditions from affecting the poor and the needy, set up near railway stations and bus stations, manned by paramedics and voluntary workers? The expectant looks coupled with the doubts about their survival have always hit me whenever I used to go for distributing blankets and warm clothes at the makeshift shelters, during my stay in Delhi.
Firstly, why should there be anyone without a roof? Secondly, when unfortunate people go through these difficulties, it's not the time to pontificate and advise them that they should have 'worked' hard to eke out a decent living!
It's the same old story and no one seems to care. Er, lives in India are pretty cheap! We've visited that argument before!!
Tailpiece.
I'm reminded of a wonderful custom that existed in Kerala and I suppose, is still followed in quite a few parts of the state. Before the main gate of the house is closed for the night, the lady of the house or anyone anointed by her, calls out for any weary passersby who hasn't had his/her supper. And if anyone were to show up, that person was provided with a full meal - in other words, the supper that the members of the household partakes.
A noble thought indeed! Why have we forgotten/are we forgetting these humane customs and traditions?
In these days of nuclear families and walled residential colonies, these acts cannot endure!!
Why can't we think in terms of shelters, equipped with all the basic facilities to ward off the harsh weather conditions from affecting the poor and the needy, set up near railway stations and bus stations, manned by paramedics and voluntary workers? The expectant looks coupled with the doubts about their survival have always hit me whenever I used to go for distributing blankets and warm clothes at the makeshift shelters, during my stay in Delhi.
Firstly, why should there be anyone without a roof? Secondly, when unfortunate people go through these difficulties, it's not the time to pontificate and advise them that they should have 'worked' hard to eke out a decent living!
It's the same old story and no one seems to care. Er, lives in India are pretty cheap! We've visited that argument before!!
Tailpiece.
I'm reminded of a wonderful custom that existed in Kerala and I suppose, is still followed in quite a few parts of the state. Before the main gate of the house is closed for the night, the lady of the house or anyone anointed by her, calls out for any weary passersby who hasn't had his/her supper. And if anyone were to show up, that person was provided with a full meal - in other words, the supper that the members of the household partakes.
A noble thought indeed! Why have we forgotten/are we forgetting these humane customs and traditions?
In these days of nuclear families and walled residential colonies, these acts cannot endure!!
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