By Timely opinions
KenHerar
Mar 25 2005
Now that the Air India trial is over, many questions still remain in Canada's worst aviation disaster. Is this the end or a new beginning?The tragedy that claimed 329 innocent lives 200 miles off the coast of Ireland, and the images of the wreckage on the Atlantic Ocean, is something many of us haven't forgotten. How could people be so cruel in a senseless act that damaged so many lives for a worthless cause?The judgment rehashed many old feelings. It was as if this tragedy happened yesterday. I was impressed with many of the victims' families for staying committed to seeing this tragedy finally go to trial.Unfortunately, the verdict didn't go their way. They all showed remarkable courage in their fight for justice. The RCMP, despite some of the criticisms, worked hard to bring this case to trial for the families.There is a lot to be proud of and I think we haven't heard the last of this case by any stretch of the imagination. A public inquiry is needed and anything less is unsatisfactory.Different reports indicate that the Sikh community is divided on this verdict. I disagree. I believe a large majority of Sikhs wanted closure, to put this case to rest. The Sikh community today is much different than in the 1980s. At that time, turbulence was brewing in the state of Punjab and India. The Sikh community has moved forward and today's generation wants nothing to do with what was going on during the 1980s.I did find some inspiration and meaning in all of this. It was a story of a man who had a vision about helping others through his loss.Dr. Chandra Sankurathri, a biologist with the Canadian government, lost his wife Manjari, 33, daughter Saroda, 3, and his son Srikiran, 6, on June 23, 1985. He lived in remarkable pain for years, wondering how this could happen to his family.He would walk to the ocean in search for his family, hoping to see them again. Sankurathri wanted change, knowing his family wouldn't want him to keep living like this. This happened when he retired and moved back to India.There he built a school for the poor and a hospital for the blind in memory of his family called "Manjari Sankurathri Memorial Foundation."He found strength in helping others and said "It was time to forgive and forget." The school and the hospital have been running for several years and Sankurathri said this wouldn't have been possible if he didn't move on in his life.So much has been accomplished through the foundation and this reminds him of his family. Sankurathri said he wants to continue to focus on the foundation where the real difference is being made.In all of this, some good has happened.
Ken Herar is a Mission writer. He can be contacted at kenherar@yahoo.ca.
© Copyright 2005 Langley Times
No comments:
Post a Comment