I like to have my little sketch book with me constantly. As I finished this one (which I admit I started a while ago in my doctor's waiting room, because the plant reminded so much of Madras) just today, I did so with so many feelings: pride, gratefulness, sorrow, anger, happiness...
The rains and floods in Madras (now Chennai) reached never before proportions this last week, much so that a 100 year old rainfall record was broken. The generally very humid and hot city was literally a sunken city for the past few days. It is only because of the courage and generosity of its residents, that the death toll was a "meagre" 288. I am proud of being a Chennaiite.
I am grateful and happy that my loved ones didn't have to face the fate of tens of thousands of others. I am proud that my fellow citizens helped wherever they could: selflessly, without discrimination. I am angry that, for some, little or no help arrived, that the State and politicians, as usual, where the last to swing into action.
Now we must be aware of the health risks that abound and of course pray that the rain gods are kind to us and spare us.
The rains and floods in Madras (now Chennai) reached never before proportions this last week, much so that a 100 year old rainfall record was broken. The generally very humid and hot city was literally a sunken city for the past few days. It is only because of the courage and generosity of its residents, that the death toll was a "meagre" 288. I am proud of being a Chennaiite.
I am grateful and happy that my loved ones didn't have to face the fate of tens of thousands of others. I am proud that my fellow citizens helped wherever they could: selflessly, without discrimination. I am angry that, for some, little or no help arrived, that the State and politicians, as usual, where the last to swing into action.
Now we must be aware of the health risks that abound and of course pray that the rain gods are kind to us and spare us.