Wish we went later: Sadhguru on tragic timing of missing Isha Foundation pilgrims

Three days after a catastrophic flash flood struck central Nepal, 77 pilgrims from the Isha Foundation remain unaccounted for following the disaster that devastated the region near the Nepal-Tibet border. The group, led by the spiritual organization founded by Jaggi Vasudev, known as Sadhguru, was at the Gyirong immigration center when the flood hit, cutting off all lines of communication. The incident has sparked international concern, with families and officials scrambling for updates on the missing individuals. The flood, which occurred on Wednesday, swept through Rasuwa district and surrounding areas, destroying infrastructure and claiming hundreds of lives. According to local authorities, the death toll has risen to 579, with recovery efforts ongoing despite warnings of potential further flooding in the Bhotekoshi river area. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority warned that rising water levels combined with mud posed a renewed threat to the region, urging residents and rescuers to remain vigilant and relocate to safer zones if needed. The Isha Foundation group had traveled to the region as part of a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, a sacred site for Hindus. The group included participants from 19 different countries, according to Maa Gambhiri, a coordinator for the foundation. She stated that the organization had reached out to embassies in India, China, and Nepal for assistance, as well as various government offices in both India and Nepal to track the missing pilgrims. Despite these efforts, no new information has emerged regarding the fate of the 77 individuals. Deepak Dandu, an American citizen whose wife, Sridevi Vejella, was among the missing, described the emotional toll of the tragedy. He recounted how his wife had long dreamed of participating in the pilgrimage, calling it her "lifetime dream." Dandu had planned to join her but was unable to due to personal circumstances. Now, he is traveling from New York to Hyderabad to be with their 13-year-old son, who had remained behind with family during the trip. His voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of his son’s distress upon learning of the disaster. According to reports, the group had arrived at the Gyirong immigration center shortly before the flood struck. The group leader, Praveen, had informed the foundation at 9:05 AM that the group had reached the center. Just nine minutes later, at 9:14 AM, the flood hit, sweeping away the building and severing all communication. Sadhguru, the founder of the Isha Foundation, shared these details in a video message, expressing deep sorrow and frustration over the loss of contact with the group. He admitted that the group’s strict adherence to punctuality had inadvertently placed them in harm’s way. Sadhguru described the scale of the flood as unprecedented, estimating that the water and debris reached heights of approximately 40 feet. While he initially felt reassured knowing the pilgrims were safe within the immigration center, he soon realized the gravity of the situation. “Our people are all in the immigration centre, so maybe it will flood the centre, maybe they’ll lose their baggage, maybe they’ll lose their passports, maybe they’ll lose their clothes, I don’t care, but they will stay alive,” he said, reflecting on his initial hope. Despite the foundation’s efforts to locate the missing pilgrims, the lack of communication continues to fuel anxiety among the affected families. Rescue operations have continued, though progress has been slow due to the challenging terrain and ongoing risks of additional flooding. Officials have emphasized the need for caution, particularly in areas near the Bhotekoshi river, where water levels remain high. The flood has highlighted the vulnerability of remote regions prone to sudden natural disasters. As search and rescue teams work tirelessly, the focus remains on locating the missing and providing support to those impacted by the catastrophe. The situation underscores the unpredictable nature of such events and the importance of preparedness in disaster-prone areas.