Assam is currently witnessing catastrophic flood situation that has claimed lives of over 100 people and left thousands homeless. Despite the extreme floods and heavy monsoon, students, teachers and several other people of the state have come out to celebrate Independence in waist-deep flood waters. Several photos of these kids from the flood-hit Dhubri, Nagaon, Barpeta district in Assam where you can see some children as young as 10 getting in the water, on the roof unfurling the national flag have gone viral on social media.
While Twitter has hailed the spirit of these kids who did not let the deteriorating flood situation stop them from showing their patriotic fervour, it is also important to question what the country was giving back to them? Over 82,500 people have been affected by floods in Assam. Hundreds of animals have died in the floods. 85% of Kaziranga is reportedly under water. Unfortunately, only a few will talk about them. Many are yet to discover the horrific reality of Assam.
Photo: Twitter
Thousands have no access to adequate supply of food. Yes, the government is undertaking relief measures, but is it enough to cater to the needs of all the victims affected by the floods? Sadly, the horrific condition that Assam finds itself in is not enough for the government to declare it a national emergency.
Photo: Twitter
Today, people are proudly sharing the photos of these little kids unfurling the national flag while completely ignoring the deplorable conditions they are in. People are saluting them for showing their patriotism amid such horrific conditions when most of them probably did not bother to start a conversation about the problems that they are facing amid the devastating floods.
Did they share the photos of the flood-hit Assam? How many of you did actually go and donate to the Prime Minister’s relief fund? How many of you care about the danger they are putting themselves into by getting into the neck-deep water or climbing on the roof to hoist the flag? See the hypocrisy here? People sharing the photos of these kids showing their love for their country should first take a minute and think what they have given back to them. It is easy to have a rush of emotions in the name of nationalism but looking beyond it and expressing basic humanity is what was needed here.
Flood affected boys move on a banana raft near partially submerged houses in Morigaon district east of Guwahati, Assam. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
These kids that we are talking about are believed to be the future of the country. They did all they could to show their respect for the country that has collectively failed them in every aspect. They hoisted the flag outside the school that lies submerged in water.
@varunkrish @redditindia This is the situation in flood hit Assam..but Assam is the land for all religion..Happy Independence Day __ pic.twitter.com/lNmNVwCvEL
— DebasishBarmanRAHUL (@rahulbarbie) August 15, 2017
3,192 villages have reportedly been submerged under water and the floods have managed to destroy 1.79 lakh hectares of crop area leading to the food shortage in the state. The people of the state have braved all the odds and celebrated freedom in a way no one did.
People use a makeshift raft to transport goats as they wade through a flooded road in Jakhalabandha area in Nagaon district, in the northeastern state of Assam Photo: REUTERS/Anuwar Hazarika
Love the spirit!
Was taken in a flood hit area of Assam.
Happy Independence Day India __ pic.twitter.com/EbMl5DGagg— Saif Mustafa (@GoonerMust) August 15, 2017
You sure do love the spirit of these little ones, where in reality people should be ashamed that they have completely turned their faces away from the heartbreaking situation that these kids are facing due to the floods. It is not the condition that they are living in that people care about, it is a collective show of nationalism and patriotism that has caught people’s attention. And that is what is heartbreaking.
Nagaon: Villagers ferrying their cattle to safety on a raft made with banana plant stems from a flood-hit village in Nagaon district of Assam. PTI Photo
These photos from Assam should make us question our lopsided our priorities have become. While we swell with pride at the sight of tri-colour being hosted amid floods, why do their suffering and a dire need for help miss our notice?
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