Dear editor,
Japan’s triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami and a nuclear crisis is shocking and extremely sad. The direct and indirect side-effects of this economic and non-economic shock can take place anywhere in the world as Japan is the world’s third-largest economy, representing 8.7 percent of global GDP and having multilateral trade relations with Korea and India as well.
Every possible effort is required to minimize the inevitable effects of this kind of crisis by pooling resources ― physical, financial and human ― and disaster management with empathy by one and all without any kind of reservation.
Let us develop our emotional quotient (EQ) ― a phenomenon related to the heart of every individual with loving care, patience, motivation (self and others) and empathy (not sympathy only). To renew our relationships with a reduced coefficient of distrust and social gaps, let us donate liberally to the calamity relief fund.
The World Bank group institutions should provide interest free loans, if not assistance, to Japan on not only social and moral grounds but economic considerations to bring the Japanese economy back on the rails.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency have a special role to play in stopping the panic and fear created by the electronic media of the world with an awareness campaign and a concrete plan of action instead of lip service for the Japanese who are known for their industrious nature.
They are capable of handling the crisis singlehandedly but deserve moral support of highest order for the rehabilitation program, which can be sufficient, efficient and equitable to the victims without any ifs and buts.
Let us join hands in this hour of crisis to face the challenge collectively without the feeling of loneliness among the people of Japan. Every citizen of the global village has the responsibility to pray for peace of departed souls.
We should express our gratitude to Almighty God who is great to listen to the collective prayers for His mercy to face the challenges. Let us be excused for the misdeeds of every kind committed by any one knowingly or unknowingly to save the humanity in this hour of crisis. Let us give expression to our feelings of empathy from the core of the heart by condolences to the departed souls in Japan.
Professor M.M. Goel
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Seoul