The recent train disaster in the Balasore district of Odisha has proven to be a harsh litmus test for our national integrity and social fabric. With the loss of at least 300 lives and over 1100 people injured, this tragedy is the most devastating we’ve witnessed since the Kedarnath floods in 2013—a natural calamity that wreaked havoc on the state of Uttarakhand.
Let’s find out how the crisis brought out some unlikely heroes, and also revealed the horrifying side of some individuals, who claim to be the benefactors of the society.
The real heroes
Amid such heart-wrenching chaos, real heroes have emerged, the everyday citizens of Odisha. They’ve shown immense strength and resilience, lining up to donate blood and offering assistance in whatever way they can. Their selfless acts of kindness in the face of such disaster paint a moving picture of humanity at its best.
Organisations often vilified for their strong cultural nationalism, such as the RSS and Bajrang Dal, have also stepped up to the occasions. Their humane approach during this crisis, providing assistance and aid to the afflicted, forces us to reconsider preconceived notions about their roles in society.
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Major institutions like the Adani Group and LIC have taken significant steps as well. The Adani Group has pledged to take care of the children orphaned by this tragedy, demonstrating corporate responsibility in a time of despair. LIC, in an effort to alleviate the burden on affected families, has made their insurance programs more user-friendly, easing the process for those grappling with loss.
In the political realm, the steadfast dedication of PM Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has been noteworthy. Despite a barrage of criticism, they’ve shown resilience and resolve. Minister Vaishnaw, in particular, has been working tirelessly alongside relief workers to restore the rail network as quickly as possible.
The abominable political vultures
However, in stark contrast to these acts of bravery and compassion, certain individuals have chosen to exploit this tragedy for personal gain, akin to vultures circling a carcass. These opportunists, under the guise of sympathy and support, have sought to further their own agendas.
Mamata Banerjee, for example, swiftly arrived at the disaster site, not driven by a humanitarian impulse, but seemingly to peddle her own political agenda. Instead of offering comfort and assistance, she stirred up chaos, using distorted figures to paint Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in an unflattering light.
Even more distastefully, Lalu Prasad Yadav, a notorious politician with a dubious track record as Railways Minister himself, has seized this opportunity to sling mud at the current administration. He accused the Indian Railways, under Vaishnaw, of undermining the institution’s core principles.
Similarly, the Congress party has continued its negative propaganda, even attempting to drag the Sengol installation into the disaster’s narrative, dubbing it an “ill omen.”
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The Balasore tragedy has undoubtedly brought out the best and worst in our society. It has showcased the heroes—the ordinary citizens, selfless organizations, and dedicated politicians, all stepping up in a time of crisis. Simultaneously, it has exposed the vultures, those who leverage disaster to sow discord and further their agendas. As we grieve for the lives lost and stand in solidarity with those affected, we must discern between these heroes and vultures, cherishing the former and being wary of the latter.
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