India

         Monsoon hit North India almost two weeks early this year... But we never imagined that it would take the shape of a dangerous natural calamity. Uttarakhand is a state in North India famous for the holy places of Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is considered to be God's land and is the perfect destination for devotees! Millions of pilgrims had gone for the famous "Char Dham Yatra(journey)" in this phase of the year..

         Disaster hit Uttarakhand on the night of June 16, 2013. Heavy cloud bursts left floods in all the rivers.. Which turned wild and washed everything that came on it's way. To worsen the condition, their were landslides which resulted in huge destruction to lives and properties. Tiny villages have been washed off the map and the death toll is increasing with every hour. The soothing and heavenly feeling of this holy place has turned into an atmosphere of cries and sorrow. One can see dead bodies everywhere! People have been stuck at places, without food and water for more than 72 hours.. People lost their family and few ill-fated victims had to witness their own loved one dying in front of their eyes. How doleful it would've been for a father to see his 3 year old child fighting for life and giving up in the end? In the very lap where the baby once played? It has been 10 days now since the calamity and despite of the rigorous rescue operations, the hill tops are still full of victims!

         In my post, I would like to aknowledge the Indian Army, Air force, reporters and volunteers who are helping the people day and night.. A salute to their bravery, a salute to their sacrifice, a salute to their commitment, a salute to their selflessness.. But the biggest salute to their families. Families that have cultivated real warriors! Over 60 choppers and 10,000 army men are right now working in Uttarakhand to save the lives of strangers, without caring for their own. They are unstoppable! The crashing of a chopper resulted in the sad demise of a few victims and soldiers. And yet, despite the grief in their hearts, they put on a brave face and keep the operation on! A salute to these people who gift us our safe lives while risking their own.

        

          A huge thank you to all our protectors, because of whom we are leading a safer life. A silent prayer for those who lost their lives, may their souls rest in peace. And a hope for the victims and the army to come home safely.

Proud of the army and air force!

May God protect them.