SabariMala – another tragedy at the abode of the lord
It is no more an exclusive incident at the abode of Lord Ayyappa, that so many people lose their lives at his feet. Over the past decade, there have been more than two stampedes and dozens of vehicular accidents in this place. It is very difficult for us to still understand what is so wrong with the administration to still not put into place a system of safety and also impose the rules on coming devotees, so that they could avoid such mishaps that take away so many lives, and with it the trust on the lord. Though such accidents are not new in Kerala where we have had the boat mishaps at Kumarakom, or at the Thattekad, Sabarimala is a place where such accidents should be foreseen. As far as reports are concerned, two very substantial reports have been produced after accidents in 1992 and 2007, which suggested for the improvements to be made in the pilgrim spot. But these would just reduce from tragedies to judicial probes and be forgotten with the time. There would be a lot ...