A Journey of Seva, Humanity and Hope:
This feature brings the heartbreaking yet inspiring ground reality of the devastating Nepal floods, as shared by ground-level volunteer John Bhaji in a conversation hosted by Rishika Kaushal. After traveling non-stop for 31 hours from Punjab, a team of seven to eight volunteers joined hands with United Sikhs to reach survivors buried under nearly twenty feet of mud and debris. From serving hot langar to a multimillionaire standing beside orphaned children, to stepping waist-deep into slush to rescue a sacred Shivling, their journey showed how quickly life can change and how powerful selfless service can be. More than a rescue mission, this is a story of humanity, interfaith respect, and the unstoppable spirit of seva when people need it the most.
When the Mountain Trembled: Hope in the Ruins of Nepal:
Nature can quickly remind us how fragile life can be. In late September, devastating floods and massive landslides struck Nepal. The rushing water destroyed roads, bridges, and homes, changing countless lives overnight. Yet, even among nearly twenty feet of thick mud and debris, humanity continued to stand strong.
Jon Dabra and a team of seven to eight volunteers travelled for 31 hours without a break, crossing the border from Punjab and reaching Kathmandu and the devastated Trishuli river basin. Many organizations were providing dry rations, but the situation on the ground was different. Displaced families had no kitchens, utensils, or gas to prepare food. Working with Jagmeet Singh of United Sikhs, the volunteers quickly began a large-scale langar service.
They served hot and nutritious meals of dal, rice, mixed vegetables, and bottled water to more than two thousand displaced people twice a day, along with tea in the morning and evening.
The disaster had united all people on the same plane. Among the individuals waiting in the langar line with a plate in his hands, dressed in a plain t-shirt and pants, stood an eighty-five-crore business magnate. He had previously possessed fleets of luxury cars and five-star hotels. But in just a few minutes, he lost five family members, his possessions, and everything he had. He currently awaited in the same langar line, relying on shared meals. According to Jon, witnessing billionaires lose everything in a moment can fundamentally alter our perspective on human arrogance and financial possessions.
But the mission was about much more than serving food. The team travelled through 40-kilometer stretches of destroyed land, taking nearly twelve difficult hours to reach survivors living in makeshift camps and schools.
One of the most memorable instances occurred when Jon discovered a sacred golden Shivling buried under piles of rubble, near animal remains. Braving his own safety, he waded in waist-deep through the toxic and filthy mud where lifeless bodies were stuck as well. He crept through the muck and wouldn’t emerge until the Shivling was securely retrieved. After being rescued, it was washed with bottled water and gently placed on his clean shoulder. His behaviour demonstrated a profound respect for all beliefs and exhibited a sense of humanity that transcended religious or political divides.
For the orphaned and displaced children, the pain of what they had witnessed was still fresh. Simple candies and toys could not easily bring smiles to faces that had seen families disappear into collapsed tunnels and rushing waters.
At the same time, local authorities began working on long-term rehabilitation. United Sikhs also planned to rebuild sixty-three homes. But the immediate need for survival and support continued.
For Jon, who reconstructed his life from doing minor tasks and driving taxis to attaining success, returning to Nepal is not just an option but an obligation. As his team gets ready to head back to the debris and chaos, their mission conveys a straightforward yet profound message:
during times of disaster, borders and religious divides lose significance. What counts is the bravery to move ahead, assist others, and stand united with humanity.
References/ Sources:
- Primary Source: Rishika Show — Interview with Jon Dabra
- YouTube: Rishika Show — Jon Dabra interview/video.
- Author/ Writer: AARCHI VERMA