Shyama Parui
By Shyama Parui
Hurricane season was almost over but the news of a massive storm kept brewing in September. I remember watching the rain from our home, just a little south of Charlotte. While the leaves fluttered and branches swayed, a few of our old cypress trees collapsed unable to carry the weight of their rain-soaked limbs. Crossing my fingers, I hoped that things would calm down.
In the next few hours North Carolina’s coast survived, the piedmont relaxed but much to everyone’s surprise, the mountains bore the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s fury. On the heels of the storm, pictures and videos of horrific losses started emerging. Towns renowned for their picturesque beauty were crushed by the rain, floods and mudslides. The streets looked like rivers and chunks of major interstate highways fell apart. Unfortunately, narrow roads and limited road access to and from these previously idyllic locations trapped the residents and visitors who did not have sufficient opportunity to evacuate. I wonder if they had ever imagined the extent of the damage possible. Our family mourned the destruction of some of our favorite vacation spots like Asheville, Boone, and Chimney Rock.
Even though it was the beginning of the joyful days and nights of Durga Puja, a cloud hung over the festivities. After researching about rescue efforts in the area and identifying organizations that were helping, our local Bengali organization, Srishti of Charlotte planned a drive to support Operation Air Drop. Within two days, several families put together a cart full of essential items. It was impressive to see a large part of a Walmart parking lot turned into a sorting and loading zone for helicopters that would be dropping off donated items to Western North Carolina. Many volunteers were managing the entire process efficiently with such a positive attitude that I was moved. There are times when my cynicism outweighs my optimism, but watching a community come together for a selfless purpose restored my faith in humanity.
Survival of the fittest may be the rule of the jungle but in today’s world I’d like to believe that we care for the weakest too. The instinct to look after people was evident in the outpouring of support for the victims. In fact, some anthropologists believe that groups of humans evolved into a civilization when they helped their members heal from injury or illness, rather than when humans invented tools like the wheel.
A big part of the immigrant experience is not only putting roots in unaccustomed earth but also seeking friends and forging ties with those in proximity. While no one can replace our respective families, bonds with friends and neighbors create the feeling of home. And just as we stay informed and connected to the news from our hometowns, I strongly feel that we should seek equal or more involvement in our current community. After all, it is the person next door who is most likely to come to your assistance and we would perhaps fracture the foundation of a community if we were unwilling to lend a hand when others need it.
Even as the roads are being repaired and homes are rebuilt in Western Carolina, more assistance will be required on the long road to recovery. An opportunity awaits every North Carolina resident to cement the foundation of the state because if there is a crack in one part, it will eventually weaken the entire state. The South Asian diaspora is rich with talent and skills, and these could be invested in different ways to assist places hit by natural disasters. As an example, tutoring could be offered to students who missed classes due to school closures.
Several organizations are already holding fundraising events such as musical concerts and that can be continued with the added benefit of showcasing a variety of cultural performances. This will also increase awareness of the richness of Indian heritage among the local population as they appreciate the fact that Indian dances and music extend beyond “Bollywood”.
While it is intimidating to think that individuals need to fix entire towns, it may be easier to believe that each person can play a small role that they are most capable of, and it will sum up as impactful. In my opinion, anything is better than inaction. The benefits of community spirit will grow depending on how well its members nurture it and I am certain that North Carolina will soon reemerge as a strong state.
Shyama Parui is a long time North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. You can reach her at: shyamashree_parui@hotmail.com
