Local community thanked for their compassion

THE people of Cork and the small peninsula community in West Cork that comforted the families and friends of the Air India disaster, at the time of the tragedy and during the sad pilgrimages over the past two decades, were thanked yesterday.

Twenty years on, the hurt and anger has not diminished for the heartbroken Canadian and Indian communities but many yesterday spoke of the bonds and friendships developed with the people of Ireland, in particular Cork and the Sheep’s Head peninsula.

Representing the Irish people at the ceremony, President Mary McAleese said the memorial shrine and garden was a place where she hoped the victims’ families could find comfort and solace.

“It is a reminder, not simply of those lost lives, but of continuing care and concern for those who grieve.”

She said that so many hearts, full of loving anticipation, were wiped out by hearts full of hatred when the aircraft disintegrated off the Irish coast.

“And yet, from the pathetic wreckage, the deepest bonds of friendship grew between strangers. The people of Ireland and the Indian community in Canada have grown close these 20 years, united in sorrow and in cultural exchanges and this beautiful memorial.

“The people of the local community have shown themselves to be wonderfully caring, generous and faithful friends. Year after year, their hearts and homes have opened to those bereaved who came here in sad pilgrimage.

“Out of such humanity, we see the wonderful power of love which transcends even the most appalling evil.”

Her words were echoed by Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin who told locals: “You have opened your hearts to the world. You have welcomed strangers into your homes. You have comforted those who come in search of peace, lending a shoulder to cry on or to help carry the burden. To you, I express the deepest gratitude of all Canadians.”

He said his country was also in debt to the heroism and kindness of the rescue personnel in Ireland and Britain that searched the seas for bodies.

Nisha Thampi, 25, who lost her mother Vijaya, said she was six years old when she came to West Cork for the first memorial service.

“What we cannot forget is the senseless loss of so many innocent lives.

“What we will also not forget is the care and compassion of the people of Ireland.