A Human Face [Was Donations for Tsunami Relief Fund]

[Guest guest]

Dear Shakti Sadhana Members:

 

Okay, I understand that many people (in India or elsewhere) want to

research their donation options and the legitimacy and effectiveness

of the various relief initiatives now collecting such donations.

 

And I understand why some people in the affected regions might be

offended by the condescending attitudes of some donors, who may feel

that their "largesse" somehow merits unquestioning gratitude in the

affected nations.

 

Whatever.

 

I simply would like to ask that all members of this group do

*something* to help, via whatever means. Feel like a hero if you

must; project nationalistic pride (Eastern or Western) if it makes

you feel better; debate the fine points of which

agencies/organizations are more deserving of your support. Have a

blast. But at the end of the day, please help.

 

This is ultimately a human tragedy, and a human challenge. That's

why I've added this new photo -- taken today, January 5, 2005 -- to

Shakti Sadhana's front page. To help us remember that this is not a

time to squablle among ourselves, but to take action.

 

Who is the girl in the photo?

 

Here is the photographer's caption: "Indian tsunami survivor

Nagarani, who lost her parents to the tsunami, cries at a newly

opened orphanage on the outskirts of Nagapattinam, 350 km (219

miles) south of the Indian city of Madras, January 5, 2005. The

orphanage presently houses 30 children. The December 26 tsunami,

triggered by an undersea earthquake off Indonesia, has killed about

150,000 people across south and southeast Asia, more than 15,000 in

India alone. REUTERS/Arko Datta"