[D9640general] [eFlash_Rotary] Digest Number 848

[Garry Krischock]

ü Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail 

1.
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eFlash_Rotary/message/1528;_ylc=X3oDMTJxZGYwd
nRoBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzI3ODYwNzYEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDY0MDg2BG1zZ0lkAzE1M
jgEc2VjA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTIyODYzODI4Ng--> 1609: Rotarians offer
support in wake of Mumbai tragedy 

Sat Dec 6, 2008 1:07 am (PST) 

Rotarians offer support in wake of Mumbai tragedy

By Ryan Hyland

[http://www.rotary.org/SiteCollectionImages/News/mumbai_react.jpg]
A participant in a candle light vigil in New Delhi, India, 2 December
places a candle to express solidarity with the victims of the Mumbai
terror attacks. Photo by AP Photo/Gurinder Osan
Rotary leaders and Indian Rotarians are expressing sadness and offering
support for survivors following last week's terrorist attacks in
Mumbai, India, that killed more than 170 people.

More than 300 Mumbai Rotarians joined tens of thousands of city
residents on 3 December in a peace march to mourn the dead and protest
the violence. Participants gathered in the streets surrounding the Taj
Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, one of several locations stormed by armed
gunmen on 26 November. In a show of unity and peace, Rotarians carried
Rotary flags and banners.

"It is a terrible situation. But Rotary is ready to help those who have
suffered," says Past RI President Rajendra Saboo. "Rotary will be most
needed when the painful happening recedes in the memory."

Rotarians and their families stood in long lines to donate blood. Saboo
also said Mumbai clubs are in contact with hospitals, offering support
and comfort to victims.

"This is a time when those who have suffered the most may find
themselves lonely and in need," says Saboo, a resident of the Union
Territory of Chandigarh. "Rotary will not only be there to heal the
immediate wounds but to care for them long term."

Calling the attacks in Mumbai "a catastrophe," RI President Dung Kurn
Lee says the recovery process will take many months and that Rotary will
provide support for victims and their families.

"Rotary is the organization that helps people make the transition from
day-to-day survival to a return to a normal life," says Lee.

Local clubs are also struggling with the senseless violence.

"It is very tragic that so many innocent people were killed or injured,"
says Prabha Mathur, past president of the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport
in Mumbai. "We are all trying to find peaceful ways of addressing the
situation."

RI Director Ashok Mahajan says now is the time to spread Rotary's
message of peace.

"I'm deeply saddened by what happened. People here are extremely angry,"
says Mahajan, a Mumbai resident. "But I don't want to see the situation
worsen. It's time for Rotary to unite and help achieve world peace."

Mahajan expresses gratitude for the many condolences he's received
from Rotarians worldwide, and says he especially appreciates the e-mails
and phone calls from Pakistani Rotarians.

"Clubs in Pakistan showed great concern about our health and
well-being," Mahajan says.

The Rotary Club of Bombay has been left without a home, owing to the
extensive fire damage at the Taj Mahal hotel. Since its founding in
1929, the club has met in the hotel's ballroom.

"There was so much Rotary history in that room, and I have fond memories
of attending meetings there," says Saboo, who is working with club
leaders to find a temporary meeting place. "Our hearts go out to the
members. I'm hopeful . . . they'll be back at the Taj soon."

Source: Rotary International News / Courtesy: eFlash_Rotary

 

 

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