Reno Hindu statesman: World should 'wholeheartedly' support Nepal
Hindus have urged the world to “wholeheartedly” support Nepal in its recovery efforts from the devastating earthquake of April 25 causing massive damage, chaos, fear and suffering, a Reno-based Hindu statesman said Saturday.
The 7.8 magnitude quake struck an area between the capital, Kathmandu, and the city of Pokhara, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The earthquake has killed more than 2,400 people as of Sunday, destroying buildings, homes and temples throughout the region.
Rajan Zed, a Hindu statesman from Reno noted foreign aid, which was already vital to Nepal’s struggling economy, had become even more important now for its efforts to come out of the devastation caused by this massive earthquake.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that Nepal had provided a travel heaven to the world with Everest and Annapurnas, spectacular dramatic landscapes, rich ancient culture, temple-lined cityscapes, etc., and now it was time for the world to return the favor and do all they could do to make it stand-up again on its feet to welcome the world.
Rajan Zed, expressing deep sympathies, noted: Hearts and thoughts of the worldwide Hindu community go to the victims and their families and loved ones, injured, rescuers and relief workers and urged the leaders of other world religions to join him in prayers for them. He called the Hindu temples worldwide to organize special prayer sessions for all linked to this tragedy.
"May God grant strength, courage, comfort, and assistance to victims’ families and loved ones, injured, rescuers and relief workers," Zed stated in a news release. It is a highly tragic and difficult time for them and he was full of sorrow for this tragedy, Zed noted, adding that it was a "heartbreaking incident and they were all in shock and anguish over this unimaginable loss."
Rajan Zed, expressing solidarity with the people of Nepal, thanked the countries which had come forward with offers of help. This earthquake, a humanitarian disaster and a nightmare, would put a huge strain on Nepal’s economy, which was highly reliant on tourism. Besides governments; the world’s charities, mountaineering organizations and religious groups should also offer humanitarian support in this calamity, Zed indicated.