A girl from Palakkad, Kerala shares her story

Palakkad: Toys, books, school bags, Onam dresses. These are just some of the things that children lost in the deluge that created havoc in Kerala, disrupted normal life, and left a trail of destruction in its wake. The unprecedented rains in the state since August 8 have led to the loss of lives of hundreds and left million others displaced.

But it is the indomitable spirit of the people of Kerala that gives hope that the state will slowly, but surely, recover from such a trying time. And perhaps the children of Kerala are the best embodiment of this hope.

Timesnownews.com spoke to a few children from Palakkad, one of the badly-hit districts of the flood-ravaged state. The kids recounted their ordeal and their pain after the flood waters entered their houses and destroyed their belongings. These young minds, however, have refused to bow down in the face of adversity. Speaking to Timesnownews.com, they shared their aspirations and dreams for a better tomorrow.

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“My clothes, my toys, everything got lost in water. Now there’s nothing left to lose,” one of the boys told Timesnownews.com. Most of the kids were also upset as the grim flood situation meant that they would not be able to celebrate Onam, the annual harvest festival that falls on August 25 this year, with their friends and family. Others too expressed their disappointment at not being able to attend their schools, or play with their friends, due to the deluge.

The kids also had a message of hope for their parents this Onam. “This year’s gone, but next year we will celebrate joyfully,” said one of the girls. The children also shared their hopes for the future. “When I grow old, I want to build a good house,” said one young boy. While another girl shared, “ I want to go back to my school. Want to watch movies with my friends. Play with my friends. Rains should fade away and I want Kerala to be normal again.”

Kerala faces a long and arduous road to rehabilitation and redevelopment. But with its children hopeful and resilient, it’s a journey that the state can bravely undertake.

