PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE TO THE NATION DUE TO THE NATURAL CALAMITY BECAUSE OF EARHT QUAKE AND TSUNAMI WAVES LASHED THE EAST COASTAL AREAS OF INDIA.

New Delhi
26-12-2004 

Dear citizens, 

I am really saddened at the impact of the earthquake and the sufferings of people of Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, and also parts of Kerala and other coastal areas of our country. 

I have seen the heartrending scenes of loss of human life, damage to the houses and habitat of the poor and disruption to the normal life experienced in different places today. 

The state governments have mounted the necessary relief programmes in the affected areas. I have talked to the Prime Minister. The PM has already activated the Crisis Management Group and a massive campaign of assistance including the Police and Armed Forces has commenced to support the relief measures of the concerned governmental agencies in the affected areas. 

I convey my condolences to the bereaved families. I would request the people to remain calm and co-operate with the relief teams for ensuring that the relief reaches the needy in time. 

I was born and lived in an island and I have witnessed the islanders braving the fury of the sea during cyclones. This is the time; the one billion people must face the problem together as one nation and provide support to all the needy states. Also, I suggest philanthropists and social organisations to come forward and mount a programme for assisting the needy. Humane action should defeat the ferocity of the nature. 

May God bless you.