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Today I got a call from a family member of one of the victims of Delhi riots. The victim is a young boy of 20, who had gone to the temple on February 25th, 2020, to offer his prayers as it was his birthday. He was a part of those victims who took in stray bullets.
He was shot in the neck and in his abdomen and had glass shards in his head. He was unconscious when he was brought to the hospital and was immediately rushed into the Operation Theater.
In the meantime, his family was frantically searching for him as he had not come home yet. The father of the boy owned a small tea shop and one of his customers happened to be in the hospital and spotted this boy being wheeled in. He made a call to the family and informed them.
The family, still unsure, rushed to the hospital. But by the time they reached there, the surgery was going on to remove the bullets. They waited 8 hours to see him and identify him. All along they were not sure if they were waiting for their son.
But God is kind - when they did get to see him, he was Ravi Kaushik, their son. The doctors had to remove a kidney. It was in shreds as the bullet tore through it. The glass from his head was gently removed and the bullet from his neck too.
They couldnât afford the surgery, but many kind people came forward and offered donations.
By the time my team and I reached out to them, Ravi was out of surgery and in the intensive care. I spoke to his sister, Pinky.
By the time my team and I reached out to them, Ravi was out of surgery and in the intensive care. I spoke to his sister, Pinky.
In between sobs, she explained their condition, their fears, their apprehensions. What moved me was when she said that God took care of Ravi because he was in the temple.. thatâs the reason some good soul took him to the hospital.
Despite adversities, the family did not lose their faith.I assured her of our help and we helped.
In our zest to help, we extended support to close to 200 families during that time. Everyone was very grateful. But only few still keep in touch. I do wonder why?
In our zest to help, we extended support to close to 200 families during that time. Everyone was very grateful. But only few still keep in touch. I do wonder why?
They got their money. They are happy and can move on like others. Then why should they remember us and keep in touch? We were one among many teams who came forward to help. Pinky, today answered my questions without me asking them.
She said money could have be collected any which way.. but in times of need itâs the kind word that kept them going! When they were disturbed and distraught, we were there to tell them that everything is going to be alright.
Today, a much stronger Ravi comes on the phone and says, âAmma, you are very nice. I want to meet you. When you come to my city, you have to stay with us. You teach me yoga. I will be with you forever.â This little boyâs words choked me.
I could feel his heart speak with such honesty. I pray that he and hundreds like him who were injured are safe.
I get a Namaste and Jai Shri Ram from few of them. Kusum is one such lady... a mother of two toddlers who lost her husband to a stray bullet.
I get a Namaste and Jai Shri Ram from few of them. Kusum is one such lady... a mother of two toddlers who lost her husband to a stray bullet.
Over days of talking to her, I taught her to be brave and face life. Today, a much stronger Kusum asks me to help her save the money we gave her so she can educate her kids and give them a good life. I am so proud her.
Yogesh Thakur is another man who lost his young brother. Vikas and Rahul Tomar, two brothers, who got severely injured. Simple and beautiful souls who just connected with me.
I got into activism thinking I will do good to the world. Instead, the world is doing good for me.
I got into activism thinking I will do good to the world. Instead, the world is doing good for me.
Everyday I learn from seeing the pain and atrocities that are happening around me. I become stronger knowing that I am in a good place and have the strength and means to carry these people forward if they need help.
I pray that the Supreme Consciousness gives me the strength to make a difference, even if it is in a smallest possible way. I appreciate being in the company of @TapasNiyama who knocks sense into me every time I lose focus and steers me back to the work assigned to me.
I appreciate @InternetYodha for being there, smiling, as I go through my outbursts and then gently telling me to get back to work. @NRIfromGkp for introducing me to these beautiful souls. 
all my team mates who stood strong and gathered information to make this happen.
all my team mates who stood strong and gathered information to make this happen.
