"Face of Tsunami" - Wave of Hope

"So there are thousands of children in this country who are going to be suffering."

2005-02-17T22:04:00.000-05:00

Abhilash
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"In about 400 camps for displaced people around the country, almost 4,000 children have lost at least one parent and another 1,100 children have lost both parents," said Mr. Keele. "So there are thousands of children in this country who are going to be suffering." : VOA

"We were always anxious that the baby should go to the real parents and that is happening now. So we are okay."

2005-02-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

Parents and Abhilash with Kalmunai Base Hospital Medical SuprentantDr.K.Murugananthan.

2005-02-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

Abhilash with his mother and Lawyer Manarudeen.

"A little sadness is there... but then they are the rightful parents so we are happy that the child will be in safe hands,"

2005-02-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

Parents and Abhilash with Kalmunai Base Hospital Cosultant Dr.Gopal Muhunthan.

"We've got the results for all our hardships."

2005-02-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

Abhilash with his grandmother.

2005-02-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

Abhilash's father showing where he was lost.

"I want to teach my child well and bring him up as any other parents would,"

2005-02-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

Media attention on Abhilash.

"We want to give Abilash a bright, happy and adventurous future",

2005-02-17T21:55:00.000-05:00

Abhilash and father

"Our top priority is to provide a good education to our child, to all our children",

2005-02-17T21:49:00.001-05:00

Abhilash being pampered by relitives.

2005-02-17T21:49:00.000-05:00

Milk being fed to Abhilash by his relative.

"We have told our God.....please give us back our baby."

2005-02-17T21:47:00.000-05:00

Abhilash and mother

"I am so happy, and I only have to thank God for giving my child back,"

2005-02-17T21:45:00.000-05:00

Abhilash with his father at the temple.

His name is rooted in the Sanskrit word "abhilasha," meaning aspiration or desire.

2005-02-17T21:43:00.000-05:00

Jenita Jeyarajah's elder sister carrying Abhilash at Kaludawala Pillaiyar Temple in Batticaloa district.When Tsunami hit their housinbeach road, Kalmunai 1, Jenita Jeyarajah's elder sister was carrying Abhilash.

The baby was put in a small cot on the tiled living room floor, while the parents entertained a sea of visitors and proudly showed their son. Abilass sported a "pottu" on his forehead — a black stain to ward off evil that was painted by nurses in the hospital. His name is rooted in the Sanskrit word "abhilasha," meaning aspiration or desire: CBS

"Sakkarai Pongal",

2005-02-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

Jeyarajah family receiving blessings from the Hindu priest of Kaludawala Pillaiyar Temple in Batticaloa district after legally receiving their son from Kalmunai District Magistrate Courts.

2005-02-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

Murugupillai Jeyarajah father of Abhilash,known as Baby 81 smashing coconut and fulfilling the vow at Kaludawalai Pillaiyar Temle in Batticaloa district, after receiving his son.

" We are very happy, but at the same time feel sad that a lot of people were killed on that day"

2005-02-17T21:37:00.000-05:00

Father Murugupillai Jeyarajah..tears in his eyes..fulfilling the vow at thetemple.

"visible symbol of the disaster"

2005-02-17T21:34:00.001-05:00

"Baby 81" has become the visible face of the tsunami, Reports BBC

- Showing a face for all other lives of children the sea took away?
- In ushering the call of humanity?
- As hopeful face needing lasting peace?

"Baby 81" is so named because he was the 81st patient to be admitted to the hospital on the day the tsunami struck, BBC

"In two days we will go home my darling... do not worry. We will soon go home,"

2005-02-14T23:14:00.000-05:00

"In two days we will go home my darling... do not worry. We will soon go home," Jenita said, kissing her child's hands, cheeks and forehead,

reports BBC; Abilash making news on Valentine's Day around the world.