India, Kadalisai (a Tamil word) “the music of the sea”: Our involvements in Tsunami services have led us to have a permanent presence and educational ministry to the victims of the Tsunami particularly in Nagapattinam. The commitment of a new community and a new apostolate in Nagapattinam is a difficult task; to move to a new location after the onslaughts of the Tsunami, could not be other than a daunting and uphill task. However, we have confidence that the Providence of God, which led our Founder some 325 years ago, will certainly lead us too in this adventurous move. Our timely response to the signs of the time which followed commitment after commitment is also a spiritual journey re-lived in the foot prints of the Founder as desired by the 43rd General Chapter.

It is in this sense that the expansion has taken place in the Delegation of India. Now, we have 11 communities. It is indeed happy news for all of us as we witness the birth of a new community at Nagapattinam. We have named it as “La Salle Kadalisai”. The name Kadalisai (a Tamil word) denotes “the music of the sea.” The name reminds the children of Nagapattinam that the ocean of La Salle is no more frightening or threatening but music which comforts and brings new life.

Also, Brothers Uvary Antony and Pinto are directly engaged in Tsunami services. The Brothers are engaged at St. Thomas’ School, Nagapattinam and St. Joseph’s School, Kameshwaram. They are setting up Tuition centres and Balwadies (Day care centres) with the professional assistance of the Saint Joseph Development Trust. The Third member of the community is Br. Joseph Raj; he is engaged as the Vocation promoter, recruiting candidates for our Lasallian way of life and is engaged with youth who are interested in joining the Brothers. We have placed the new candidates in the community itself, having them experience the way that the Brothers are ministering to the youth and children of Nagapattinam. We have 8 fine aspiring young men in the community which is operating in a rented house. ^{(Br. John Fernando, FSC, President)}

If you have news notes that you would like us to consider publishing, please email us:lasallew@lasalle.org