To Remember the Tsunami Victims
It has been six months to the date since the killer tsunami struck the eastern coast of India and caused total devastation. People lost just about everything, including loved ones, friends and family apart from their homes, their means of living, their land, their boats and their livelihoods. As a mark of respect to all those who lost their lives in the tragedy, and a tribute to those who have survived and moved on, a multi-faith public meeting was organised at the CSI Matriculation School on Sunday, June 26, exactly six months after the tsunami.
Nagapattinam (PRWEB) June 29, 2005
It has been six months to the date since the killer tsunami struck the eastern coast of India and caused total devastation. People lost just about everything, including loved ones, friends and family apart from their homes, their means of living, their land, their boats and their livelihoods. As a mark of respect to all those who lost their lives in the tragedy, and a tribute to those who have survived and moved on, a multi-faith public meeting was organised at the CSI Matriculation School on Sunday, June 26, exactly six months after the tsunami.
Almost 1500 children were present at this ceremony, which marked the beginning of a new journey. The children lit candles, which symbolised the hope that their lives would attain normalcy. Religious heads from three different faiths addressed the secular gathering, as they instilled in them, the faith that life would continue, and re-emphasised that the people must have faith in themselves.
Speaking on the event, Dr. Jayakumar Christian, National Director, World Vision India said, “While remembering the people who lost their lives to the families, we also need to think about those who survived. This gathering is a tribute to their resilience. All the aid, the government’s efforts, the NGOs’ struggles would be for nothing, if not for the courage and drive of these people who have, in the shortest possible time, started building their lives again.”
In aid of those affected by the tsunami, World Vision India, a child focused, Christian relief and development organization working in partnership with the poor in India, has announced a relief outlay of Rs. 161 crore to help rehabilitate the tsunami survivors. World Vision has built 3184 temporary shelters in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Chennai. The budget outlay of Rs. 161 crore for this year has been pledged with the current focus on economic recovery programmes, infrastructure rehabilitation and psycho-social and educational support for children.
World Vision has identified 10 different sites in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Pondicherry and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for extensive relief work for the next 12 months. Within every site, World Vision will implement the four integrated projects of Individual & Community Rehabilitation, Infrastructure Reconstruction, Economic Recovery and Women & Health programmes.
World Vision was the first organisation to respond to the crisis when the tsunami struck the eastern coast of India. Within less than 24 hours after the disaster struck, the organisation mobilised as much as Rs. 9 crore for the immediate relief of more than 5000 families in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
About World Vision India:
World Vision India is a child focused, Christian relief and development organisation working in partnership with the poor in India without any prejudice based on caste, colour and creed. Fullness of life for every girl and boy with dignity, justice, peace and hope is the drive of World VisionÂ’s partnership with the poor.
During natural calamities or disasters in our country. World Vision has risen to the challenge and worked along side the government and other NGOs to bring quality relief in a timely manner. World Vision has been involved in providing relief in all major disasters that hit the country.
In India, World Vision is a member of several NGO networks and government forums like Women Development Corporation, Indian Council for Child Welfare etc. that address social and economic issues at various levels. World Vision India is also a member of the international partnership of World Vision, which works in around 100 countries. World Vision has consultative status with UNESCO as well as official relations with key UN agencies including UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR and ILO.
For further details:
Sriram Govindarajan / Varsha Narasimhan
Hanmer & Partners
Ph: 044 - 52144890
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