As I was watching the video of Sadhguru reaching Nepal today, and something stayed with me.
The calamity happened on 26 August, and he reached Nepal on 30 August. That means he, too, remained there for these four days, along with many others who were stranded in the region.
What I found very humbling was learning that he had the option of leaving earlier, but chose to wait.
From what I understood, he was waiting for permission to go on the ground and see if he could contribute to the relief efforts or help in whatever way possible, including in finding those who were missing. At the same time, there were hundreds of other people stranded there. Simply flying out himself would have solved the problem for one person, but it wouldn't have created a way out for everyone else.
Apparently, the effort was also towards getting a land route opened so that the people who were stranded could leave through the same route.
And when I saw him finally reach Nepal today, I found myself thinking about this differently.
In a disaster, none of us can control the circumstances. Sometimes we can't even do what we want because permissions, roads, weather, geography and many other things are beyond us.
But perhaps what we can control is what we choose to do within those limitations.
One person can find a way out for themselves.
Or they can wait, when possible, for a way that others can also use.
That distinction made me pause.
I'm not looking at this as some extraordinary heroic act. I'm simply observing what I saw and heard, and thinking about what it means to lead from the front.
Sometimes leadership may not be about being the first one to get out.
Sometimes it may be about trying to create a path through which others can get out too.
That thought stayed with me today.
On my flight from Delhi to Kathmandu was a group from the Isha Foundation (@ishafoundation), on their way to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. They were brimming with excitement, looking forward to the journey to Lord Shiva’s abode.
Many from that same group were on my flight back from Kathmandu. The excitement of the onward journey had given way to a deep sense of grief and anxiety. They were sombre and shaken by the tragedy that had engulfed fellow pilgrims from Isha.
Yet, amid the anguish, there was something remarkable about their resolve. Many spoke of returning — of undertaking the pilgrimage again, undeterred by the tragedy that had just unfolded.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev (@SadhguruJV), the entire Isha Foundation family and all those still waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones as they grapple with this terrible tragedy.
May Lord Shiva give them strength. 🙏
URGENT: Please help us locate my brother-in-law, V.S. Balasubramanyam (Bali), a US citizen of Indian origin.
Bali was travelling with the Isha Foundation S3 Kailash/Mansarovar group.
His last known phone location, confirmed to his family by Andhra Bhavan, New Delhi, was the Chinese Immigration Centre at Gyirong, Tibet, on the morning of August 26, when the devastating flash flood struck.
His family has had no contact with him since, and his current status is unknown.
If anyone has information about Bali or the S3 group at the Gyirong immigration centre, please DM me.
Please RT 🙏 and share this widely. @MEAIndia@USAndIndia@Sadhguru@IshaFoundation
A few weeks back, soil degradation was just another environmental term. Now, 2+ B people are talking about soil and 70+ countries have expressed support to the cause 🙌 #SaveSoilSaveEnvironment
Our deepest Gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi ji for his support to #SaveSoil. May Bharat, with its intrinsic understanding of soil-friendly farming, lead transformation of soils around the world under the able leadership of Shri. Modi ji. – Sg @narendramodi
We are the environment. We are an extension of this earth. The ingredients of life are packed into the Air that we breath, Water that we drink, Sunlight and Soil. Save Soil. #SadhguruQuotes#WorldEnviornmentDay
An honor & a privilege to hand over the Soil Policy Handbook to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. @narendramodi whose concern for soil is deep rooted in his heart. Under his able leadership, may Bharat lead the way in effecting global transformation in soil health. #SaveSoil. -Sg
Namaskaram Shri. @AmitShah ji. Deeply appreciate your support to #SaveSoil. As the world’s largest Democracy with millennia-old history of agriculture, may Bharat inspire transformation of soils & become the Breadbasket of the World. Let’s make it happen. -Sg
@cpsavesoil
Wonderful to see Toronto in solidarity with #SaveSoil. May every human being, in whatever capacity they can, give expression to their love and concern for Mother Earth. This is the time. Let us make it happen. -Sg #CNTower@TourCNTower
A joy to be back in beloved Bharat, this sacred land that has taught us to revere and regard the Source of all Life as our Mother. Time to pay heed to our ailing Mother that has sustained our lives without mercy. #SaveSoil. -Sg #SaveSoilJamnagar@ESodha
Bharat- her rich soil made her a shining Jewel in the Crown of Cultures. An ancient Land, a young Republic, she is once again poised to become a global Force. May We rise as One Voice for Soil. Looking forward to Beloved Bharat. #SaveSoil. -Sg #SaveSoilBharat
Having covered Europe and now in the Middle East, @SadhguruJV and the #SaveSoil journey are all set to reach Jamnagar, Gujarat on 29 May, and kick off the India leg of the journey!
How you would like to welcome them? Let us know in the comments.
https://t.co/z6MmqMf5nE
Participated in a session on soil extinction, climate change & ecological degradation with @SadhguruJV in #WorldEconomicForum, #Davos. The solution lies in linking nature to economics, i.e. eco-economics. Eco-budgeting has to be there in the balance sheets of all businesses.
The ink 🖊️ the wooden blocks 🎨and the cubes🎲take him to his own magical world 🪄. And they all come from soil 🌱.For a beautiful childhood for all our children let's join https://t.co/LXxBxqghGU .#savesoil#childhood#toddler#momslife#ConsciousPlanet#Sadhguru