It was not easy to see so many people suffering and knowing that this suffering will not end yet. If conditions do not improve things might get worse with the delayed monsoons.If people are not enabled to earn and rebuild their lives, the suffering will continue. Among all the sadness, hardened looks of adults there were a few who smiled. We all commented that in a few more days when people will move on to other things life here will become harder, without aid, without help to rebuild people will soon forget smiles and anger will take over. I do hope collectively we do not forget this disaster, do our part in the short and long term to continue the fight to protect man and the beast in this area.
These are some pictures of those smiles I saw...
A little girl on a make shift swing...as soon as she saw me she stopped mid air but a smile got me this smile. My broken bengali I asked her if she was having fun and she nodded and said "hai" (yes)
On their way home...these are kids from the Non-Formal school which now is being conducted in the Nature Camp Campus.
"Didi bhalo ache" - they called out to ask if I was doing okay?
I did not understand the little joke (Shambu da my local guide tried to translate but it got lost in the language dictionary ) but it was apparent that it bought a smile to her face. She was standing patiently in line for some relief.
Back home in Bangalore India, I pray that these smiles of hope continue.
-Madhu Reddy
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