“Nothing Can Be Planned”: Manasi Parekh Recounts Harrowing Escape During Nepal Floods
The National Award-winning actor, who was undertaking the sacred Mansarovar Yatra, narrowly missed being caught in the devastating floods that destroyed a major immigration center.
National Award-winning actor Manasi Parekh recently opened up about a harrowing experience during her recent pilgrimage to Tibet for the Mansarovar Yatra. The actor, part of a group organized by the Isha Foundation, found herself in the path of a catastrophic flood event in Nepal that left a trail of destruction in its wake.
A Narrow Escape
Parekh and her fellow pilgrims were traveling toward New Dongba when the disaster struck. According to the actor, their group was scheduled to reach the Gyirong Port immigration center the following day. However, a last-minute change in their itinerary forced an overnight stay at a local hotel, a decision that ultimately kept them five hours away from the epicenter of the tragedy.
“We were five hours away from the place where the incident happened,” Parekh shared. “The fact that we were scheduled to reach that building the next day but stayed back for the night saved us. It’s a sobering realization that nothing in life can be planned—anything can happen anywhere.”
The scale of the destruction was difficult for the group to process, particularly because they had passed through the exact same immigration center only six days earlier while entering China. “It was a huge structure. Seeing it completely collapsed was surreal,” she added.
Sheltered Amidst Uncertainty
As news of the disaster broke, the group of 87 pilgrims—including spiritual leader Sadhguru—found themselves in a state of deep distress. The tragedy left at least 77 members of the Isha Foundation among the hundreds reported missing, creating an atmosphere of mourning and uncertainty.
Despite the fear, Parekh expressed gratitude that their group remained well-supplied. “Thankfully, we had Wi-Fi, electricity, and food. We were just grateful for those basic necessities while we waited for updates,” she said.
Coordinated Efforts and Safe Exit
The actor credited the rapid response of Chinese authorities, alongside the efforts of the Isha Foundation, for ensuring the safety of the stranded pilgrims. The Foundation worked in close coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office, local embassies, and the Chinese government to navigate the crisis.
“The authorities were very fast,” Parekh noted. “After we received permission to utilize an alternative exit, we began our journey toward safety.”
While the group is currently in a secure location, Parekh admits that the emotional toll of the experience is still being processed. She remains thankful for the support of the community and the presence of Sadhguru during such a turbulent time. “We are still processing the sadness and the pressure of what occurred. We are currently figuring out our path forward in the next few days,” she said.
A Decorated Career
Manasi Parekh, a multifaceted artist known for her work as an actor, singer, and producer, gained widespread acclaim for her television performances in Zindagi Ka Har Rang…Gulaal and Sumit Sambhal Lega. Her immense talent was recently recognized at the national level, where she secured the National Film Award for Best Actress for her powerful portrayal of Monghi in the acclaimed Gujarati film, Kutch Express.
