The relentless monsoon rains had shifted from Bihar, leaving devastation behind. Now, my focus turned to Assam, another state battling floodwaters. My journey began with a flight from Kolkata to Gauwahati, a bustling city nestled on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra.
Moregaon: A Simple Lodge, Strong Camaraderie
Gauwahati served as a quick pitstop before heading to Moregaon, a small town where our team was headquartered. Our accommodation, a modest lodge, exuded a rustic charm. The rooms, devoid of extravagant amenities, offered a single bed and the ever-essential mosquito net – a constant reminder of the region's vibrant insect life. What surprised me most, however, was the sense of camaraderie that blossomed within these simple walls. Reuniting with old colleagues from previous flood responses, we spent evenings regaling each other with tales of past missions, our laughter echoing through the corridors. New faces, too, joined the circle, their enthusiasm a spark that ignited a renewed sense of purpose within me.
A Culinary Adventure Begins: Roti, Chane ke Daal, and Beyond:
The mornings unfolded with a delightful culinary surprise. Stepping into the local dhaba, the aroma of freshly baked roti wafted through the air. This flatbread, served alongside a hearty lentil curry known as chane ke daal, became my breakfast staple during my stay. The simplicity of the dish was deceptive, masking a depth of flavor that surprised my palate. Each bite was a symphony of textures – the soft roti yielding to the creamy daal, punctuated by the crunch of onions and the fiery kick of green chilies. While lunch and dinner were primarily rice-based with fish as the star ingredient, I relished these meals as an opportunity to delve deeper into Assamese cuisine.
Exploring the Brahmaputra: Beauty and Power
One day, a visit with a partner organization focused on finalizing flood response plans and educational materials. It was during this visit that I truly began to appreciate the incredible diversity of Indian rivers. The Brahmaputra, a colossal force of nature, flowed with immense power and beauty. My colleague, Jane Alam, aptly described it as a "blessing and a disaster" – a life-giving force that could also wreak havoc when overflowing its banks.
Jane Alam: A Multifaceted Relief Expert
Jane Alam, my colleague on this Assam mission, quickly became a source of inspiration. Hailing from Kolkata, his warmth and easy smile put everyone he met at ease. But what truly set him apart was his remarkable skillset. Fluency in various regional languages allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life in Assam. More importantly, his expertise encompassed the entire spectrum of emergency response. From hygiene promotion and water sanitation to relief distribution and emergency livelihood support, Jane possessed a mastery of seemingly diverse fields. The dedication he displayed was equally impressive. He dedicated himself to this work year-round, spending anywhere from three months to a year helping communities rebuild after disasters. His unwavering commitment and vast knowledge earned my deepest respect. Each day spent working alongside him was a masterclass in the art of emergency response.
A Race Against Time and a Joyful Homecoming
The final days in Assam were a blur of activity. Interviews in Gauwahati identified a strong candidate to lead the ongoing flood response efforts. Back in Kolkata, a marathon handover session ensured that all critical information reached the remaining team members. Despite the urgency, a part of me yearned to be elsewhere. The thought of missing the birth was simply unbearable. With a heavy heart, but a burning desire in my soul, I secured an early morning flight back home.
The journey felt like an eternity. Each passing minute stretched into an hour, my anxiety mounting with every mile covered. Finally, as the plane touched down in my city, a wave of relief washed over me. Rushing home, I was greeted by the familiar warmth and the sight of my beautiful wife, her face radiant. The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions – the overwhelming joy of holding our precious newborn daughter, the exhaustion of missed sleep, and the immense gratitude for being present for this momentous occasion.
On November 13, 2007, our lives were forever changed with the arrival of our firstborn. Gazing into her innocent eyes, I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of life. The challenges and uncertainties of my work as a humanitarian aid worker seemed insignificant compared to the profound privilege of parenthood. This Assam trip, filled with experiences both professional and personal, served as a powerful reminder of that very truth. It was a journey that reaffirmed my commitment to helping those in need, while simultaneously teaching me the importance of cherishing life's most precious moments.
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