If the wind triggers its velocity beyond 65 kmph, it is called a storm. With more speed, it attains the name of a Hurricane. However, on Saturday night, it rocketed to the topmost ferocity of 220 kmph, putting all the hurricanes to shame. They call it ‘Phailin’, the most destructive one, even compared to that of Katrina, which hit the US in 2005. To my simple assumption, the name of all such destructive agencies is quite sexy. Be it Katrina, Lisa, Sandy, and now Phailin. Imprisoned in its captivity, we all were praying for the safety of humanity and wished these named beauties won’t turn into Beasts or Vishkanyas. How I loved deserted and uncanny pavements. Alas! Without light, there wasn’t a single soul on the streets of Bhubaneswar. Only the roar and jostle of the tremendous wind dominated the eardrums. In the times we are living in, a single day without social networking is a waste, and you can’t afford to get away. So three days without electricity vindicated the gathering and basic needs, obviously. Happy to hear it claimed no major loss of life and goods. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Maggie played her part. Kith n kin in panic. Phone calls on their peak. Never assisting the network. It taught harmony. Unity is strength, of course. You will master your cooking skills, management techniques, and survival strategies. (Don’t expect to get an intern certificate, though).

I was always an arguing kid in my Social science class. Most of these were coinciding over the essence of Disaster management. I mean, what’s the need for that? Ultimately, it’s our wit that works. Now, only I embrace the fact that Prevention is better than a cure. Thanks to the satellites and IMD forecast, the loss was minimized. Special share of kudos to government authorities and the Army, of course, for standing firm and standing up against all sorts of calamities and rescuing lives. I hear Atalji praised Indira Gandhi as ‘Durga’ of Bangladesh for carrying out the successful liberation of the nation. It gives me immense pain that our so-called leaders are devoid of this appreciation for excellence. We are self-portrayed angels against all the devils. The little sparrow felt calm today. The ferocious Phailin has rendered her hope and shelter. I saw the tiny paradise of hers surrendered to the elements. Quiet, she was. This was something through which she could communicate. She fled away and returned with straw in her beak. Let’s get back to work. Assurance is what her heart senses. We shall overcome. Amen.