List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “An avoidable tragedy: On the Pushpa 2 stampede”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “An avoidable tragedy: On the Pushpa 2 stampede”

 As tragic as it is, India is arguably the country with the highest number of stampedes and resultant injuries and fatalities. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau reveal that between 1996 and 2022, India recorded 3,935 stampede incidents, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths. These numbers show a chronic failure in ensuring public safety during religious festivals, political rallies, and celebrity appearances. Religious gatherings account for a significant proportion of these tragedies.

In 2011, in Sabarimala, 106 people died on a narrow pathway. In 2013, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, 36 people were killed at a railway station due to overcrowding. Political rallies have also proven deadly — in 2014, more than 30 people were killed in a stampede at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. While stampede fatalities during celebrity appearances have been rare, they point to the dangerous combination of fan fervour and poor planning.

During a promotional event for the film Pushpa 2: The Rule, at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, a “surprise” appearance by Telugu actor Allu Arjun led to a stampede. A 35-year-old woman, Revathi, lost her life, and her eight-year-old son, Sri Tej, is battling for survival. Allu Arjun, the film’s production team, and the director have collectively decided to donate ₹2 crore to Revathi’s family.

In the aftermath, blame has been laid on the Hyderabad police, the actor, and his production team. Questions surrounding protocol, security arrangements, and crowd control have yet to yield clear answers. Was the police force prepared for the size of the crowd? Did the actor and his production team respond swiftly when they got news of the stampede?

Revathi’s death points to a recurring pattern of negligence, mismanagement, and inadequate planning. India must take measures to prioritise crowd safety with actionable measures. It is important to consider spatial and thermal comfort when planning events and provide sufficient hydration facilities to prevent exhaustion.

There should be multiple and clearly designated entry and exit points, capable of handling the projected crowd size. Emergency preparedness, including the deployment of medical aid, trained personnel, and effective chaos management protocols, must be a non-negotiable standard. India ought to ensure the safety of its citizens, whether they gather for faith, fandom, or politics.

1.  In the aftermath

• Meaning: The period following a significant event, often one that is unpleasant or disastrous.
• Example: In the aftermath of the stampede, authorities began investigating the causes of the tragedy.

2.  Blame has been laid

• Meaning: Responsibility for a negative event has been assigned to someone.
• Example: Blame has been laid on the police and organizers for the lack of crowd control.

3.  Point to

• Meaning: Indicate or suggest something as a cause or explanation.
• Example: The incident points to a recurring issue of negligence during large gatherings.

4.  Yield answers

• Meaning: Produce or provide the necessary information or results.
• Example: Investigations have yet to yield clear answers regarding the preparedness of the security forces.

5.  Battle for survival

• Meaning: Struggle to stay alive or overcome a difficult situation.
• Example: The child injured in the stampede is battling for survival in the hospital.

6.  Non-negotiable

• Meaning: Not open to modification or compromise.
• Example: Crowd safety measures should be non-negotiable for public events.

7.  Recurring pattern

• Meaning: A repeated sequence of events or behaviors.
• Example: The recurring pattern of stampedes at public gatherings highlights the need for reform.

8.  Take measures

• Meaning: Implement actions to address or prevent an issue.
• Example: Authorities must take measures to improve crowd management at large events.