Distinguished guests from the local Atlanta government, college students, citizens of the Indo-American community, the local media, and simply, the young and old, seeped through the doors of BAPS Hindu Temple to offer prayers and remarks of condolences to the victims and survivors of the Tsunami that devastated twelve countries in Southern Asia. More than 300 citizens attended the prayer assembly, not only to offer their warm prayers, but heartfelt donations as well. 

As an honorary guest stated, "I feel fortunate to have come here to this prayer assembly, because it was during the minute of silence, in which I heard the cryings wails of the survivors who lost their families." During this prayer service, several kirtans (devotional hymns) were sung and consoling words were offered to pray for the afflicted victims and attain a peaceful state of mind in spite
of this tragedy. Amongst the service today, several honorable guests 
were present to offer their sincere prayers and efforts: Shmuel Ben-Shmuel, Consul General of Israel to the Southeast USA; Kevin Grady, Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka to Atlanta; Hugh Floyd, State Representative of District 99 (Gwinnett County); Councilman Ransom, Councilman City of Clarkston; P.I. Joy, chairman of American United Bank; and Dr. Rengen Li, chairman of the US PanAsian American Chamber of Commerce. They each shared their condolences and praised the work of BAPS-Care International in the relief efforts around the world.

"It is our appeal to people all over the world to help in this time of crisis and need. In this situation it is our duty to provide humanitarian aid, regardless of community, caste, color, creed or country and other differences." read the message from His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer and leader of BAPS Care International - a 501(c)(3)registered non-profit organization having more than 9000 centers around the world.

In the wake of the devastation that hit India's southeastern coastal areas by huge tidal waves triggered by an 9.0 magnitude earthquake deep beneath the Indian Ocean, BAPS Care International has launched immediate relief efforts in the stricken zone. BAPS Care volunteers have set up food kitchens to cook and distribute hot food to victims in the towns of Pattikulaakupam, Fulerikadu, Katukupam, Lemelikupam, Terura, and New Kalpakam in the vicinity of Chennai (formerly known as Madras).

With so many left homeless and destitute, there is also an urgent and pressing need for food packet distribution. To address this BAPS Care centers in Gujarat were also marshaled into action to prepare 10000 food packets. These food packets have also been flown in and local BAPS Care organizers are frantically working to have the food packets delivered in an efficient and speedy fashion.

"Based on our relief and rehabilitation experience during the massive
Gujarat earthquake and floods in Orissa and West Bengal, we anticipated that in the aftermath of such a tragedy, food supply and distribution would be an extremely important priority" explained BAPS Care spokesman Nilkanth Patel.
"When reports reached us about the havoc wreaked by the tidal waves we really had to mobilize our volunteers in a short time span so that we could effectively launch the relief effort which is so crucial in the immediate aftermath of such a tragedy."

On Sunday, December 26, more than 40 BAPS Centers across North America conducted a special prayer session in the loving memory of the victims and quick recovery of the affected people.

The relief efforts of BAPS-Care in the region are evolving. With so much devastation everywhere, BAPS Care will continually evaluate how it can effectively tackle the relief effort. To further aid its efforts, BAPS Care International has launched an appeal fund. Donations raised from the appeal fund will be used to provide immediate help to the victims of the tragedy.

To make online donations for BAPS Care International's relief efforts 
or to know more about its ongoing community services, please visit
http://www.bapscare.org or contact Shailendra Adroja at (732) 744-
9734 or Biren Gandhi (408) 416-7435.