The Jodhpur tragedy: A personal loss and a confession
October 1st, 2008 | by Ridhima Suri |Almost 250 people are feared dead in a tragedy that rocked the desert town of Jodhpur in Rajasthan on Navratri Sthapana. Hundreds sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals. People went to the Chamunda Devi temple in Jodhpur’s majestic Mehrangarh Fort to offer their prayers and became witnesses or victims to one of the most bizarre accidents in recent times. Jodhpur witnessed mass funeral and people were rushing to fulfill funeral rites. Police stations and hospitals were full of people. In the worst stampede ever people people mourned their loved ones.
On the fatal tuesday morning, more than 10,000 worshippers had gathered there. The climb to the 1460 built temple is quite steep and challenging for the elderly. We lost one of our employees in the fatal accident. When I got the news I was shocked. One always thinks that accidents and bad things happen only to ‘others’ but when someone close to you is a victim you feel really bad. Shankar was a smart and efficient worker but he was a bit fat. I am imagining he would not have had any control when people started rushing in all directions. He would have just rolled off! I hope his soul rests in peace and I hope God gives strength to his family.
I have seen stampede from very close quarters. As a young adult I insisted on going to attend Sonu Nigam’s music show and asked my mother and grandfather to accompany me. My family never favour attending crowded ceremonies or events. I convinced them that it is alright to go once in a while. Much against their wishes we went and had to enter the stadium amidst crazy fan crowds. We were not hurt but the only image that is still fresh in my mind is of my grandfather barely able to push his way through the crowd. In the rush and frenzy his glasses fell!! My mother and I immediately waded our way through the crowd with him. Finally we made it to the VIP seats and tried to forget what had happened. Till date I shudder to imagine that something could have gone wrong. They were just being great parents and I took advantage of being the blue of their eye (damn us kids!!)
We know that it is a custom to go to the Chamunda Temple. Everyone goes there. People wait for hours to get darshans but never expect that such anarchy can cost them their lives. People should either refrain from going to crowded places or maintain a certain decorum. Queing and patience is the only key to avoid such tragedies. We lost someone today and can understand what the families of 250 victims would be going through. I have learnt a lesson and feel terribly sorry today.
