Journalism of Courage
On macro level,it is a terror attack but on micro level it was a test of humanity in which citizens of Pune fared well. I was in my house when the loud sound made chips fall from the ceiling,and as my staff and I ran out to see what happened,what met my eyes will trouble me throughout my life.
From my terrace I could only see a bubble of smoke and when I reached there left me thunder struck. The first scene that met my eyes was that of a dead body of a foreign lady minus one hand and one leg. The sight was enough to stir the soul,however we never had a option and got into action by removing tin sheets,identifying the injured and taking them out,despite the smell of smoke and blood that choked our throats.
Thankfully,it was white-robe time at Osho meditation centre and most of the members were inside. I dont know how government or administration would handle it,but on peoples part,it was good to see that among the dead bodies,humanity was still alive. The florists,fruit sellers and the chappal walas on the pavement ran to the spot to help people. Panic was writ large on the faces of the injured; I strongly feel that one or two deaths would have happened due to panic and suffocation as well. We took out the injured and made them lie on the pavement near O Hotel,where they were given water.
I cannot forget the eyes of that injured person,who couldnt be accommodated in the first round of ambulances. He could just utter the word help,but later was comforted when volunteers attended to him.
Though the help that came from people was haphazard,but it made a lot of difference. Along with helping the injured,many volunteers blocked the way to keep it traffic free so that ambulances and fire fighters could reach the place in time. Even foreigners were seen noting down the phone numbers of the injured to inform their relatives.
Though what has happened is shattering the spirit of people to help others at any cost touched many hearts. I salute the people of Pune.”
(Nitin Nyati is a prominent developer of the city)
