New Delhi: Shankar Venkatachalam, a Bengaluru-based administration guide and govt coach is among the many 61 Indian pilgrims who stay unaccounted for after the catastrophic floods that tore by means of the Nepal-Tibet border on 26 August. He was travelling to Kailash Mansarovar along with his spouse, Vidya Venkatachalam, when contact with the group was misplaced. Now, their household’s agonising look forward to an replace has stretched into the second week.
In response to their kinfolk, Shankar (62) and Vidya (59) had been travelling along with his youthful brother, Balaji Venkatachalam, Vice Chairman and CFO of Indecomm World; Balaji’s spouse Deepa; and Deepa’s sister, Anitha Radhakrishnan. The group was part of a pilgrimage organised by Mumbai-based Hills & Trails and Kathmandu-based Richa Excursions.
Their final identified location was close to the Nepal-Tibet border crossing at Gyirong at 8:45 am on the day of the flood. In response to members of the family, they had been on the immigration centre and had simply accomplished the formalities. Reviews later steered that a number of pilgrims close to the border amenities had been swept away by the torrent.
Greater than 1,200 individuals have been confirmed lifeless and over 4,000 are nonetheless lacking.
For Shankar’s nephew, Anirudh Madhavan, the uncertainty has been significantly tough as a result of the journey represented one thing significant for the household.
A seasoned trekker who had beforehand explored the Himalayas, Shankar undertook the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage for a particular cause. It got here shortly after the marriage of Shankar’s son in July.
The household had ready meticulously for the bodily demanding journey. Lengthy walks, high-intensity exercises, and health class turned part of their routine within the months main as much as the journey.
“They had been all in glorious well being and totally ready for the trek,” Anirudh stated.
Additionally learn: ‘Floods a climate crisis, countries must compensate’: Head of Nepal disaster management body
A person of many pursuits
Shankar’s household and buddies describe him as somebody who approached life with vitality and curiosity. He was a senior chief in Oracle monetary companies. A founding member of iFlex, he constructed a profitable company profession earlier than reinventing himself after retirement. Relatively than slowing down, he immersed himself in new mental pursuits; finding out regulation, finishing an MBA, and exploring journalism.
Among the many locations the place he discovered a brand new group was ThePrint College of Journalism, the place he was a part of the fourth batch. His batchmate, Nachiappan Ramanathan, remembers him as “an ideal gentleman”.
“He spoke fondly about his childhood in Madurai and the varsity the place he studied,” Ramanathan recalled. “He was heat, considerate, and at all times desirous to be taught. Regardless of all that he had achieved professionally, he remained humble.”
Exterior work, Shankar’s pursuits ranged from trekking and pictures to tennis and journey.
In response to Anirudh, Shankar and Vidya had been deeply concerned in charitable work, significantly initiatives targeted on educating underprivileged youngsters. They had been the type of individuals, he stated, who would lose sleep over another person’s difficulties and search for methods to assist.
Right now, those that benefitted from their kindness are praying for the couple’s return.
(Edited by Prasanna Bahchchhav)
