The year 2004 ended on a tragic note with over 200,000 people killed by the giant sea waves generated by an undersea earthquake triggering off tsunami. In India alone, the toll crossed 20,000. Much before the world community could react, India rushed its naval ships and helicopters to the neighbouring Sri Lanka to carry out rescue operations. India also announced an aid of 23 million pounds to Sri Lanka for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people.India politely turned down financial help from other countries, saying it was capable of handling the crisis on its own strength and would ask for help only if it is needed at a later stage. India´s stand reflects its new-found confidence and strength. On earlier occasions, India had accepted huge aid from international agencies to combat such natural calamities as cyclone, floods and earthquake. But not this time round.It is in times of crisis that a country´s capability is tested. And, the crisis created by tsunami has proved beyond doubt that India has come of age and is a power to reckon with in the South East Asia region. The tsunami tragedy also brought to the fore the inherent humanitarian character of the people of India. State after state pledged support and extended substantial financial aid to the tsunami-hit Tamil Nadu, Andamans and Nicobar Island and Kerala. So did the various corporate giants who not just contributed money and material but also their manpower to provide relief to the hapless people.The civil society, represented by individuals, philanthropic organizations and voluntary agencies too rushed to the affected areas with essential supply materials like food, medicine and clothes and volunteers to manage relief camps. The entertainment industry, led by film stars and cricketers also chipped in and contributed crores of rupees towards relief and rehabilitation efforts.A unique feature of relief and rehabilitation effort this time round was the fact that individuals and organizations took personal interest in ensuring that their aid reached the most affected people. This was done by being personally present in the affected areas and supervising the distribution of relief material. Greater transparency and accountability in relief and rehabilitation measures helps create a feeling of confidence and trust among the donors that their assistance is reaching the most needy and not being siphoned off by unscrupulous middlemen and touts.

Having suffered series of natural calamities like earthquake, floods and cyclone, it is high time that the country puts in place a disaster management plan and an independent agency for the implementation of rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures. In fact, each state prone to such natural disasters must have such a plan and implementing agency. An advanced disaster warning system is also warranted so that people living in areas likely to be struck by such a calamity could be shifted to safer places in time.The loss to human life and property has been immense and it will take years to bring the life of the affected people back on track. But as the experience in Kutch showed, people and the nation will bounce back within a reasonably short span, provided the government and the civil society puts in all efforts in a coordinated manner.

With warm regards.

MUKESH KHANDWALA
President