Mayapur Residents Recovering After Car Crash
Two ISKCON Mayapur residents, Jahnudvipa Dasa from Denmark and his wife Braja Sevaki Dasi from Australia, were badly injured on March 12 when their taxi collided head-on with a truck near Kolkata airport in the early hours of the morning.
The specific cause of the accident is as yet unknown, although eyewitnesses report that the taxi’s front passenger seat, which was empty, took most of the impact and was completely obliterated.
Braja Sevaki, who was sitting in the back seat, flew forward and struck the front windscreen, smashing a two-inch hole in it. She was pulled from the wreck unconscious, and has sustained facial and leg injuries, as well as a broken rib, broken left wrist, and punctured lung.
Plastic surgeons have operated on Braja Sevaki’s face, and she is now fully conscious and speaking to friends, although she remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Kolkata’s Apollo Hospital.
Her husband Jahnudvipa suffered more extensive injuries in the accident, and his condition is severely critical. He has sustained multiple fractures to his jaw, ribs, arms, and legs, and his liver and both lungs are punctured.
However, while he was admitted to the hospital in a severe comatose state, he is now showing signs of external consciousness and is considered stable. As of the evening of March 13, doctors were ready to operate on his jaw and arms. Jahnudvipa’s chance of survival has been given as 60% at this time, with lung damage cited as the biggest threat to his life.
Jahnudvipa and Braja Sevaki’s taxi driver, who has served ISKCON’s congregational Namahatta group for many years, also sustained serious injuries – both legs were crushed, and a large amount of blood was lost. Doctors first stated that one of his legs may have to be amputated, but after operating and reattaching several blood vessels, announced that some warmth had been detected in the lower extremity – a hopeful sign that the leg may be saved yet.
Developments remain fluid, but all three are showing signs of improvement. Devotees around the world are requested to pray for their well-being and speedy recovery.
ISKCON sannyasi Janananda Goswami commented, "I have given up counting the number of near head-on accidents I have witnessed in Mayapur over the years, and it has been so painful to hear of yet another. The roads are bad, but it's the taxi drivers themselves -- including devotee drivers -- that contribute most to the problem. I implore Mayapur management to take steps and do something about the nature of the drivers who regularly threaten the lives of devotees and guests visiting Mayapura."
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Reader Comments:
Mayapura Taxi drivers are too often dangerous...
Prabhu(s): Dandavats. I've recently read with shock and outrage some of the reports concerning Jahnudvipa and Braja Sevaki's recent horrendous accident near the Calcutta airport, which was almost fatal and left them severely injured. Although it seems they are recuperating as best they can, this was a horrible incident that could perhaps have been avoided. I also read the comments offered by my friend Janananda Swami about the poor driving of too many of the Mayapur taxi drivers. Even if they have been driving for Iskcon members for years, that doesn't make them any safer than your average "crazy" Indian drivers. I had a very harrowing experience myself while taking an "Iskcon taxi" from our campus to Calcutta around 10 a.m. in late March, 2008. The driver started to fall asleep within one hour of our leaving (like 11 a.m.!!). When we asked him if he had slept, he admitted he had not slept for over 25 hours!! I guess he was just too greedy to take the time to get some much needed rest. Anyway, both my friend and I kept on talking to him just so that he'd keep his spaced-out eyes on the road ahead. And thus it took us four hours to finally get to the Calcutta airport safe and sound. I had intended right then and there to report him to the Mayapur management; but I just let it go with a sense of futility. But now that our devotees lives are seemingly being directly put in jeopardy, I must also demand some concrete action from the managers of our Iskcon campus. Will it take other fatalities like TamalKrishna Maharaj and his lady disciple to get things to change at last?? This recent couple's horror story should suffice to get some long overdue change at long last. Deeply concerned, Gokulananda das ACBSP, ISKCON Vancouver, Canada.
Braja and Jahnu
At times I try to figure out what unforeseen event will happen each year. It seems there is always tragic news regarding loved ones that jolt us all. I agree full heartedly that the road to Kolkatta is dangerous & Braja hated that road long before this accident. Who would blame her, she lost her Dear Gurudeva and friend. I am so happy her life was spared, becasue she is definatley not done her work here. The fact that Braja Sevaki's spirits are high and her sense of humour is intact is amazing enough initself. I hope Jahnu pulls through, if anyone has met him, they will know why.
I adore Braja and Jahnu they are very close and dear friends of mine. The driver, well, poor guy, why do we have to find fault. Indian drivers have no sense. The bigger the car the right of way. This is topic for tragic comedy. Last year my family stopped and paid respects to the tree where the fatal accident occured with Tamal Krishna Mhj, and forgive me for not knowing the dear Matajis name who went with him. Two seconds later, as we drove off a huge tour bus fish tailed and I thought that was my end. But it wasn't . There is no sense to Bengali driving, I vote sealt belts should be mandatory and upgrades made to safe driving, good luck with implenting this.
I look forward to my prayers being answered that Jahnu Dwip and Braja Sevaki recover fully & continue with their unique gifts for this world!
BRAJA AND JAHNU
I am praying for all of them!!!
BRAJA AND JAHNU
I also have come to know Braja through her blog!! She is a wonderful person and I am praying for her and her husband and the driver to have a full recovery!!!!
Braja and Jahnu
I am friends with Braja through the blogging world. Know that people all over the world are praying for healing for this couple as well as their driver.
Blessings to all!