Monks fly out to tsunami relief camps

6:50pm Thursday 20th January 2005

Two monks from Aldenham's Hare Krishna temple have gone to Sri Lanka to help survivors of the tsunami disaster.

Vaikuntha Krishna das and Niti Laksa das, from Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hilfield Lane, have joined a team of American volunteers at a relief camp dedicated to cooking and feeding thousands of homeless victims left without basic supplies.

Before leaving this week, Vaikuntha said: "I want to go and help out in Sri Lanka because I see it as fulfilling a personal responsibility, as well as it being very much part of my faith.

"Feeding people in need is a central activity in the Hare Krishna movement, and so we are well-equipped and trained to deal with the immense amount of work that lies ahead."

He added that it was even more important to ensure the long-term rehabilitation of the victims including psychological counselling, chaplaincy, building new homes and schools as well as employment and livelihood.

Since December 30, 500,0000 vegetarian meals have been distributed by ISKCON (the Hare Krishna movement) and this relief work is set to continue indefinitely, with work now underway in some of the hardest-hit Sri Lankan coastal towns and inland communities such as Trincomalee and Hambantota.

Bhaktivedanta Manor has so far raised over £200,000 towards the disaster.

To donate to their appeal, you can send a cheque, made payable to 'ISKCON Tsunami Flood Appeal' to Bhaktivedanta Manor, Aldenham, Watford, Herts, WD25 8EZ.

Alternatively, you can call 01923 856848 or 07713 133313.