In 2005, the earth trembled with a ferocity that shook our nation to its very core. The worst earthquake in our history left over 100,000 souls lost to us and 3.5 million displaced, a gaping wound that scarred us for years to come.

Social media was unheard of at that time. News sites and blogs were primary sources of information. I set up a WordPress blog to collect and disseminate critical information.

Spending 4-5 hours every day, I compiled information about relief efforts and rehabilitation activities. There was a section for missing persons too.

The blog was mentioned in the publications like the Washington Post, the New York Times, CNBC etc. It remained at number one spot in search engines for quite some time.

But it was the comments and emails from those who found hope in the midst of the chaos that truly fueled my drive. I heard from people who had reunited with their loved ones, others who received vital on-ground aid, and still others who found ways to lend a helping hand.

Though my blog may now be archived, the memory of those days still lingers on. For in that moment of crisis, I found the strength to make a difference, and my efforts brought light into the lives of so many.