December 26, 2017: The Fish for All Centre of MSSRF, Poompuhar, organized a remembrance event in honour of victims and support survivors of the tsunami that struck in 2004, claiming thousands of lives.
The remembrance event held for regeneration of communities affected by the tsunami aimed to create confidence in revival of their livelihood strategies, effective early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
The event titled “13 years on: Remembering the Indian Ocean Tsunami” saw the participation of more than 50 fishermen and women leaders from Poompuhar village. The participants spoke about the tsunami’s ill effects on their life and livelihoods and the post tsunami interventions taken by the Fish for All Centre.
Mr. Anandha Raj, Traditional panchayat leader of Poompuhar, recalled Professor M.S. Swaminathan’s visit to Poompuhar, when he the laid foundation stone of Fish for All Centre in 2009 as part of the Tsunami rehabilitation initiative of MSSRF. Ms. Gracy, President, Winmeen Women Fish and Fish Product Association shared how the centre has helped in the empowerment of fisherwomen by introducing various livelihood options for income generation. Dr. S. Velvizhi, Head, Fish for All Centre, highlighted MSSRF programmes for Tsunami affected communities and its learnings and the way forward measures of the centre.
The event also saw laying of wreath, observance of silence, and a candle light memorial ceremony in Poompuhar Tsunami Memorial Pillar.