Below you can find some words from a few of our partners on the devastating impact that the floods in Nepal and Tibet has had on local communities. In a diverse, multicultural city like London, the impacts of such things are closer than they may seem.
Charanjit Ajitsingh, Hounslow
May I share with you our concern for our local Nepalese community who have lost relatives, friends and their family properties in the devastation caused by floods in Nepal, a Himayalan Tsunami . With the help of the former Mayor of Hounslow Cllr Bishnu Gurung, a retired Napalese soldier, a prayer service and candle light vigil was organised by the Nepalese community at Luxmi Narayan Temple on 31st August.
We heard from many who are affected. One person talked about the total destruction of his village with the loss of nine of his relatives. On Saturday 5th September at the Buddhist Vihara, under the leadership of Venerable Seelawimala, the head monk, Buddhist prayers from different Buddhist traditions and countries were said by their venerable leaders. The Nepalese and Tibetan losses were mentioned. One man talked about losing ten relatives and many are unaccounted for. There were many British pilgrims trying to cross the border between Nepal and Tibet to pay their respects at Mount Kailash who may have succumbed to the Glacier burst as there is little information about them.
People in the congregation observed a two minute silence , candles were lit and solidarity and deep condolences were shared with the Nepalese Ambassador and by the Buddhist Venerables and faith leaders.
On 6th September as a part of their 150th anniversary service at St Stephen’s Church, the Mayor Cllr Ranjit Gill, Deputy Lieutenant Rosie Prescott, the local MP Ruth Cadbury, Nepalese community concerns were shared and funds raised.
Charanjit, on behalf of Hounslow Friends of faith, spoke at all the three events and wanted us to recognise and understand the enormous impact of the disaster here in our communities in London, too. She said, ‘Let us all be there for them.’
Penny Smith-Orr, Croydon
In Croydon we are very devastated by the flooding in Nepal. One of our Hindu Priests, Nabhi Nandan Das, a long-time friend, was leading a pilgrimage with 16 people and 4 guides up into Tibet. They were at the crossing into Tibet when the flooding hit and have not been heard from since. This has affected us all deeply. The families of the pilgrims have no news of their loved ones including young people whose parents have disappeared.
Nabhi was a very wise and kind person. He was a member of Croydon SACRE and of Faiths Together in Croydon and worked tirelessly in schools in Croydon and other boroughs teaching about all aspects of the Hindu faith. He also invited many school groups to the Temple in Coulsdon in Croydon, which he was instrumental in opening. Not only the Hindu community but many, many people in Croydon will miss him greatly.
Thank you to our partners for sharing. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods.
London Boroughs Faiths Network 