Seen in photo are organizers and dignitaries at the tsunami disaster condolence meeting organized at St. Thomas Marthoma Church in Yonkers. From left, Zach Thomas, representative of Nonresident Keralites Affairs (NORKA); and Rev. Jojan Mathew. Others in the photo are not identified. (Photo: Mohammed Jaffer/SnapsIndia)

The Nonresident Keralites Affairs, NORKA, organized a condolence meeting at St. Thomas Marthoma Church in Yonkers of Westchester County on Jan. 2 to pay homage to the tsunami victims. Dignitaries, including Mayor of Yonkers Phil Amicone, Consul General of India in New York Pramathesh Rath, former mayor of Yonkers Angelo Martinelli, representatives of organizations such as BAPS, and members of the Indian American community participated in the event. Nearly 250 people attended the vigil which began with a prayer and devotional songs. “We are looking at two things. First, immediate relief... we want to make sure the funds reach victims. Secondly, we want to look at the need for permanent solution...” Reverend Verghese Abraham told News India-Times. He added that early warning systems should be in place, and that the government should remain alert to minimize such disasters. He also said lawmakers from Yonkers pledged support in every way possible when he suggested that the city should adopt a tsunami disaster-affected village. Official representative of NORKA, Zach Thomas, told News India Times that the organization was already carrying out relief work with 35 volunteers in India.