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As winter approches, faith keeps locals warm
Living out of a 12 X 12 sq feet tent with his wife and two children, Tsewang Norbu (38), an ex-army man, has religiously stuck to his recitation of Rinchen Rgunlhig (epic for Ladakh Buddhist, just as Geeta is for Hindus).
Living out of a 12 X 12 sq feet tent with his wife and two children, Tsewang Norbu (38), an ex-army man, has religiously stuck to his recitation of Rinchen Rgunlhig (epic for Ladakh Buddhist, just as Geeta is for Hindus).
“I recite one chapter daily from this book as it gives me strength. I used to read this earlier too and am very keen to continue the practice,” Norbu said even as he recalls the night when he managed to save his family from being washed away in the flood.
The family was living in Choglamsar town, eight kms on the outskirts of Leh, which was worst affected. As many as 158 families from Choglamsar, all of them lost their houses fully or partially, are now staying in tents provided by NGOs at Solar Colony, a government settlement.
“I lost all my documents, including my military pension papers. But then, I know I
have to take care of my children and with the help and blessings of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa (religious head in the area), I am sure, we would manage.”
A major problem facing all of those living in tents is the fast approaching winter, when the temperature goes to –30 degrees Celsius.
“Five-six NGOs have come forward with a proposal to
provide pre-fabricated houses comprising one room and an attached toilet block. We are sure we would be able to complete the work by end of October,” said Mohd Hanif, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Leh.
