Weathering the Storm in Ersama
1. What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?
Ans:- The super cyclone uprooted and crashed ancient trees to the earth. People and houses were swiftly washed away. A raging, deadly, brown sheet of water covered everything as far as the eye could see; only fractured cement houses still stood in a few places. Bloated animal carcasses and human corpses floated in every direction. All round even huge old trees had fallen.
2.How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?
Ans:- On reaching his village, Prashant found deplorable conditions all around him. He had leadership qualities so he took the initiative to rehabilitate people. He made a team of young volunteers and cleaned urine, filth, vomit and floating carcasses. His team was fully dedicated to serve others. He persuaded grief- stricken women to look after children. In this way he became a ray of hope for all.
3. How have the people of the community helped one another? What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?
Ans:- The people of the community helped one another by grouping under the leadership of Prashant. They convinced the Merchant to help them with availability of rice. The youth task force made children lie in the sand left by the waters around the shelter with these utensils on their stomachs, to communicate to the passing helicopters that they were hungry. The message got through and they began receiving food and other basic needs at regular intervals.
Women of Kalikuda were mobilized to look after the orphaned children, while the men secured food and materials for the shelter. The women began to work in the food-for-work programme started by an NGO.
4. Why do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows? What alternatives do they consider?
Ans:- Prashant and other volunteers resisted the plan as they felt that it would not be proper to set up separate institutions for orphans and widows. The group of volunteers was of the opinion that in these institutions children would not be able to get love and widow would suffer from stigma and loneliness and isolation. The group decided to rehabilitate them in their own community. New families were made and the childless widows took care of the orphan.
5. Do you think Prashant is good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?
Ans:- Prashant is a very good leader. Though he himself was too grief-stricken, he got a hold of himself and decided to step in as the leader of the village. He carried out his role effectively and helped the people of his village in every possible manner.
Yes. Young people can definitely get together to help people during natural calamities and otherwise. They can use their strength and vigour to help people.
