It has taken a devastating tsunami that claimed more than 150,000 lives in a dozen countries scattered across the vast Indian Ocean to remind passengers on the fragile spaceship, Earth, of their interdependence and common destiny.

The undersea earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter on Dec 26 triggered off killer waves, jolted the earth off its axis and permanently altered the map of Asia say geologists. But it still found the wealthier nations of this shared planet reluctant to loosen their purse strings and help millions of fellow travellers get back on an even keel.

After five days and accusations of stinginess US President George W Bush, sometimes referred to as the president of the planet, got round to announcing a ten-fold increase in the original offer of a paltry US$350 million (he started off with a US$150 million offer) in relief for survivors of one of the worst ever natural disasters to visit mankind.

In contrast, India, though itself stricken by the tsunami, lost no time in pledging US$25 million in financial aid to Sri Lanka (which has reported close to 30,000 deaths) and dispatching aircraft and warships laden with essential supplies and helicopters to its stricken South Asian neighbour. Indian help was also sent to the Maldives and to the worst-hit Indonesia.