On Boxing Day in 2004, a devastating tsunami struck 14 countries, affecting regions with significant Tamil populations, such as Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia. Among the countless stories of resilience and loss, this program sheds light on the experiences of individuals deeply impacted by the catastrophe.
Dhananjayan, a resident of Melbourne, Australia, recounts the harrowing impact on his family in Batticaloa. Meanwhile, Shiranee Pararajasingham from Sydney, Australia, shares her firsthand experiences as a volunteer in the tsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka. Rasan, a relief worker in the northern part of the island when the tsunami struck, provides insights into the challenges faced during the crisis. Parameswaran of Nagapattinam tragically lost all his children to the tsunami, a heartbreaking narrative that underscores the profound human toll.
This poignant program, produced on the tenth anniversary of the Boxing Day tsunami, captures the stories of survival, loss, and resilience. Kulasegaram Sanchayan brings together these narratives, allowing us to reflect on the enduring impact of a disaster that claimed over a quarter of a million lives in a single day. Now, as nineteen years have elapsed since that fateful event, the memories of the Boxing Day tsunami remain etched in the collective consciousness, a somber reminder of the fragility of life.
Listen to SBS Tamil at 12 noon on Pop Desi channel on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays & 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on SBS Radio 2. Find your area’s radio frequency by visiting our tune in page. For listening on DAB+ digital radio, search for ‘SBS Radio’.
