The Hindu : Front Page : Silent processions and candlelight vigils say it all

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 27, 2006
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Silent processions and candlelight vigils say it all

Tamil Nadu Bureau

Ministers and officials join people in paying homage to tsunami victims

CHOKED UP: A relative of a tsunami victim at a memorial at Kottilpadu in Kanyakumari district. — Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

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Chennai: Boats remained on the petal-lined shores of coastal Tamil Nadu as people gathered to solemnly observe the second anniversary of tsunami.

Silent processions, candlelight vigils and laying of wreaths at memorials built for tsunami victims were the ways by which the people remembered December 26, 2004.

In Nagapattinam, where the waves claimed 6,065 lives, children and women offered floral tributes at memorials in Keechankuppam and Akkaraipettai and the church-town of Velankanni. The local fishermen's association leader Rajendran, of Keechankuppam, said most of the fishermen did not venture into the sea as a mark of respect. Some families in Nagapattinam, Vedaranyam and Tranquebar performed rites for their dead relatives. Present along with Collector Tenkasi S. Jawahar and the people of Nagapattinam were U. Mathivanan, Minister for Dairy Development, MPs and MLAs. At exactly 9.17 a.m. (the time when tsunami struck Nagapattinam) they placed wreaths at the pillar erected in memory of victims at the Collectorate.

In Cuddalore, fisherfolk of Devanampattinam took out a silent procession and laid wreaths at a memorial. Collector Gagandeep Singh Bedi inaugurated houses and a disaster information centre at Samiyarpettai. Educational assistance was handed over to children at MGR Nagar and Kalaignar Nagar.

Meals with children

The most meaningful event, according to the locals, was held later in the evening when the Union Minister of State for Law, K. Venkatapathy, and Backward Classes Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam accompanied the Collector and his family to an orphanage for meals with children. Scores lit earthen lamps and candles and offered milk and flowers to the sea along Chennai's coastline in memory of the dead.

Voluntary organisations such as Meenava Makkal Nalavazhvu Mandram, the Boat Owners' Union, Akila India Manitha Urimai Pathukappagam, the Unorganised Workers' Federation and Community-Development Organisation Trust held prayers meetings and rallies.

Agitations and demonstrations before the Chepauk State Guest House were held demanding speedy completion of rehabilitation of affected persons.

Fisherfolk in Kanyakumari, Kovalam and Chinna Muttom had a sleepless night on Monday as the sea had receded by more than half a km from the shore.

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