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TAMIL NADU, INDIA, January 4, 2005: Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj, the founder and chairman of India Heritage Research Foundation, has personally traveled from Rishikesh (Himalayas) to the Chennai area. His group writes, “Pujya Swamiji is currently near Cuddalore, a town about 3 hours south of Chennai, where horrendous damage took place from the tsunami. We came down on the 30th December, thinking to spend New Year’s with the tsunami victims to offer them hope and peace. However, upon seeing the devastation wrought on the villages, he decided to stay and to adopt the village of Thevanampattnam, a village with about 3,000 families that was devastated by the tsunami. We are doing short term and long term relief work, including rebuilding homes that were destroyed, repairing homes that were damaged, setting up community kitchens, medical centers, distribution centers, etc. Further we are building shops for those women/girls who have lost all male members of their families (and who therefore have no way to make a living). We are repairing boats that were damaged and will replace the boats that were lost. Once the boats are repaired/purchased, we will purchase new fishing nets for the fisherman. We have decided to open an orphanage here for any children who have been orphaned by the tragedy (or by any other tragic circumstances), and we will also take any children who want to come back to Rishikesh to join the Parmarth Gurukul. We are planning gardens with grass, plants, flowers and trees in the new housing areas, so that there is greenery and beauty for the local people. Further, we are planning a playground for the local children. If you are able to help in this relief effort, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Your tax-deductible donations can be sent payable to India Heritage Research Foundation or IHRF 603 Bedfordshire Rd, Louisville, KY 40222, USA, Phone: (502) 426-7127 (Contact person: Rekha and Atul Mashruwala), Fax: (502) 426-8064, E-mail: ihrf@ihrf.com. For India: IHRF C/o Pujya Swamiji Chidanand Saraswati, Parmarth Niketan, P.O. Swargashram, Rishikesh – 249304; (Himalayas), India Ph: +(91-135) 2440088, Fax: +(91-135) 2440066, E-mail: ihrf@ihrf.com.”

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