Sunderbans – An archipelago of mangrove ecosystems, and home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, boasting a biodiversity extremely rich in flora and fauna, and its right next door – a journey of half a day from my city, Kolkata.
An yet, the first time I visited these islands, all I could find is devastation. It had been hit by the biggest cyclone in the last 40 years – The Aila.
I was a part of a medical team that was going to provide them with basic medicines and amenities till the Government supplies arrived. As we visited more and more villages, I realized that it was the same story everywhere. People suffering from Diarrhea, skin diseases, food poisoning, blood pressure. They had no food for themselves or for their children. And it was 5 days since the cyclone!
Everywhere I saw, there were broken houses, uprooted trees, flooded fields and dead animals. Every house had a story to tell of a loved one they lost. Death was looming heavy.
And yet, I could see the smiles on the faces of children, upon seeing us. Women blush when I noted their blood pressure, and men would pretend strong as we would tend to their wounds.
Thats Sunderban, thats India. Life goes on. There is so much more to worry about today, that the yesterdays are washed away with the tide.
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