Members of Parliament, artists and social activists participated in a candlelight vigil here on Sunday offering prayers for the victims of the twin disaster of quake and tsunami in Japan even as India decided to despatch a planeload of woollen blankets for the displaced reeling in winter.
Thirty Indians who took shelter in rehabilitation camps in Tanida, a tsunami-affected area in Japan, have since been shifted to a hotel, according to official sources.
The Japanese Embassy held a candlelight vigil for the quake victims and paid condolences to those who lost their lives. Envoy Akitaka Saiki thanked the international community for its quick and kind response in Japan's hour of grief and said his government was touched by the gesture. Stressing that Japan was coping with the worst tragedy in recent times, the envoy said all efforts were being made to provide relief to stranded people.
Those present included BJP MPs Tarun Vijay, Rama Jois and BSP MP Vijay Bahadur Singh, theatre artiste Amir Raza Hussain and the former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Mukut Mithi. Mr. Vijay saluted the spirit of Japan in coping with the situation and rebuilding the country.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao revealed on the twitter India's assistance to Japan to provide relief to people displaced in Sendai and other regions now reeling under cold weather also.
Following her discussions with the Japanese Ambassador, woollen blankets were chosen as the most appropriate and useful commodity for the affected population.
The Ministry of External Affairs is in constant touch with Japanese authorities on their requirements with the commitment to extend all possible help in this hour of crisis.
The MEA has approached the Haryana and Punjab governments to procure quality blankets.
