Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
- Every morning at 4 A.M.,
Satish Rajendran
and his fellow fishermen head
out to sea in pursuit
of their daily catch.
But on December 26, 2004,
a devastating event shattered their world.
- [Speaking native language]
It was 8:00 in the morning,
and we were just returning after fishing.
We could see some big waves coming in
as we were nearing the shore.
We were shocked as we were pushed to the shore.
- The tsunami struck Satish's remote fishing village
at the southern tip of India on the Bay of Bengal.
[Satish speaking native language]
- We lived in huts very close to the shore.
We lost everything--our homes, clothes, and boats.
The entire village was washed out by the tsunami.
- The Lions of Chennai, India, quickly mobilized
to provide relief.
- They lost their belongings
and a lot of lives.
Our Lions wanted to help this community
because they are the fisherman community.
- With a grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation
and land provided by the Indian government, Lions constructed
42 concrete homes for the survivors of the tsunami.
They also planted trees and painted the new homes.
[Man speaking native language]
- We are very happy
with the houses built by Lions.
We are very proud to have a relationship with the Lions.
- These people are living in huts.
There is no safety.
There is no protection for their lives.
After we Lions help them, now they are living
in better conditions with laying roads, everything.
They're living now in very hygienic conditions.
- Lions also provided lighter and sturdier fishing boats
and stronger nets.
- Lions will continue to support forever for this community
to uplift their living standards.
- For Satish, memories of the days following the tsunami
are bittersweet.
While it was a time marked by tragedy, it also marked
the beginning of a better way of life, thanks to the Lions.
- We are thankful to the Lions Clubs for giving these houses
and making the entire village happy.
- Yay! - Whoo!