A note from Air Commodore BS Krishnakumar, Kirti Chakra. Worth sharing.
A few words from a Tsunami survivor. Some know me as a Tsunami victim, some refer to me as the guy who flew the helicopter in pyjamas n slippers rescuing over 300 people in the tiny island of Carnicobar during Tsunami in 2004.
I had lost everything, but for my most valuable- family members, and I remain eternally thankful to God for that. But, there were many who weren't so lucky, they lost their near n dear ones in varying combinations. Many say such calamities are the wrath of an angry God, come on , you can't be silly, for God only forgives.
So, friends, my few words may be taken as from a man who had gone through one of the worst natural calamities ever.
Firstly, the whole world is there to your aid, when such calamity strikes. Everyone pray for you, the country mobilises all its resources n except for natural obstructions, help reaches you. With concerted effort, you survive, the episode is over and then the event sinks in you. Slowly, slowly, you are left alone to fend for yourself, as life resumes normal for others. You soon start feeling for each loss you had, family members, documents, albums n few other material possessions. One may even feel detached from material world as one realises that you can lose all that in a split second. One also realises, that in front of nature's fury, man is helpless. Only, prudence, some anticipation n smart action and of course God's grace or luck you may call it, could save you.
So, here are few tips, which may aid you and others around you to help you get back on track.
1. Allow the mind and body to unfold. It's a natural process as you will take time to recover.
2. Post trauma COUNSELLING/THERAPY by a professional is a must, else you could land up with long term physiological n psychological problems. Remember, the trauma the victim goes through of having to spend days n nights atop a flooded building with no certainty of being rescued. Do not hesitate, to take professional care. Friends and relatives must motivate the affected person to seek professional help.
3. Each calamity is different, in the present case, there's chance of epidemic break out, infections, contaminated water n of course threat of reptiles. Do take good care. It may be a good idea to use gum boots before you get into slush,esp if you are diabetic. Take the advice by health professionals seriously.
4 For, all those who want to contribute, yes, there are communications going around, that Keralites are rich n so don't need financial or material help etc. But for a person who has gone through the ordeal, a little help in kind; may be a bed set, a dinner set, etc given without any strings attached, make one feel happy n confident that there are support systems available. Do not ask the affected People, if they require help, mostly they would deny, due to self esteem. So, Just give them what you feel is most required n be sure it is the best in quality, better than what you buy for yourself.
5 Of all what you have lost, getting back your documents would be the most difficult part. Despite the sympathies and empathies, you will have to go through the procedures for each of your document. It is time consuming, n tiring. If, govt both Central n State could simplify the process, someone at helm of affairs may consider.
6. Slowly, but steadily, life will get back to normal, for human rescillence is unmatched.
7. To all the donors,* donate without publicising*, if possible through govt machinery, then you are a true donor.
8. Lastly, life moves on, whether you want to stay on board or miss the bus is upto you. So, cheer up, you have our support, we are one family.....
You may forward to your friends n relations, if you find this worth.
Air Cmde Krishna Kumar
A few words from a Tsunami survivor. Some know me as a Tsunami victim, some refer to me as the guy who flew the helicopter in pyjamas n slippers rescuing over 300 people in the tiny island of Carnicobar during Tsunami in 2004.
I had lost everything, but for my most valuable- family members, and I remain eternally thankful to God for that. But, there were many who weren't so lucky, they lost their near n dear ones in varying combinations. Many say such calamities are the wrath of an angry God, come on , you can't be silly, for God only forgives.
So, friends, my few words may be taken as from a man who had gone through one of the worst natural calamities ever.
Firstly, the whole world is there to your aid, when such calamity strikes. Everyone pray for you, the country mobilises all its resources n except for natural obstructions, help reaches you. With concerted effort, you survive, the episode is over and then the event sinks in you. Slowly, slowly, you are left alone to fend for yourself, as life resumes normal for others. You soon start feeling for each loss you had, family members, documents, albums n few other material possessions. One may even feel detached from material world as one realises that you can lose all that in a split second. One also realises, that in front of nature's fury, man is helpless. Only, prudence, some anticipation n smart action and of course God's grace or luck you may call it, could save you.
So, here are few tips, which may aid you and others around you to help you get back on track.
1. Allow the mind and body to unfold. It's a natural process as you will take time to recover.
2. Post trauma COUNSELLING/THERAPY by a professional is a must, else you could land up with long term physiological n psychological problems. Remember, the trauma the victim goes through of having to spend days n nights atop a flooded building with no certainty of being rescued. Do not hesitate, to take professional care. Friends and relatives must motivate the affected person to seek professional help.
3. Each calamity is different, in the present case, there's chance of epidemic break out, infections, contaminated water n of course threat of reptiles. Do take good care. It may be a good idea to use gum boots before you get into slush,esp if you are diabetic. Take the advice by health professionals seriously.
4 For, all those who want to contribute, yes, there are communications going around, that Keralites are rich n so don't need financial or material help etc. But for a person who has gone through the ordeal, a little help in kind; may be a bed set, a dinner set, etc given without any strings attached, make one feel happy n confident that there are support systems available. Do not ask the affected People, if they require help, mostly they would deny, due to self esteem. So, Just give them what you feel is most required n be sure it is the best in quality, better than what you buy for yourself.
5 Of all what you have lost, getting back your documents would be the most difficult part. Despite the sympathies and empathies, you will have to go through the procedures for each of your document. It is time consuming, n tiring. If, govt both Central n State could simplify the process, someone at helm of affairs may consider.
6. Slowly, but steadily, life will get back to normal, for human rescillence is unmatched.
7. To all the donors,* donate without publicising*, if possible through govt machinery, then you are a true donor.
8. Lastly, life moves on, whether you want to stay on board or miss the bus is upto you. So, cheer up, you have our support, we are one family.....
You may forward to your friends n relations, if you find this worth.
Air Cmde Krishna Kumar
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