Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Stefan Armijo Students gathered at the Dr. Martin Luther King Library on Sunday night for a protest and candle light vigil to raise awareness of and condemn the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, which occurred on Wednesday, Nov 26th.

Following the terror attacks on Mumbai, India, almost two weeks ago, more than 40 people, including many SJSU students, protested the attacks and called for peace around the globe at the intersection of San Fernando and Fourth streets Sunday evening.

"What we want to do is to spread awareness that we want peace," said SJSU alumnus Kamlesh Kudchadkar. "The way we can do it is just get united no matter what caste, creed, religion, ethnicity or nationality you belong to and probably that's the best way that we can step ahead to swipe the terrorism from the world."

The protesters were not only raising awareness about the Mumbai attacks, but also attempting to encourage everyone to stand together against terrorists.

"We want to stand united across religions, across countries, across the world," said Yogheshwar Sanchihar, a software engineering graduate student. "We personally believe that there are only a few percent (of people) who really don't like peace and the rest of the world likes peace, so we really need to give this message to all those extremist groups."

Londhe Gaurav, a graduate from Cal State Chico and organizer of the rally, said that it mirrored similar rallies being held in India.

"There are a lot of protests going on in India right now," he said. "Lots of people on every Sunday, they are gathering somewhere. There is no leader, but they are coming on their own. We are gathered here just to support those guys, which have come on street in India."

The contingent who gathered at all four corners of the street's intersection held up signs for passing motorists, many urging them to "honk for peace." Judging by the din heard, the passers-by were sympathetic to the cause.

"You can see they are honking at those people, means they agree in this; everyone wants peace," Gaurav said. "That's the message they are spreading."

At the site of the rally were images of two who lost their lives in the attacks trying to save the lives of others. Anti-terrorism chief Hemant Karkare and police inspector Vijay Salaskar were both killed in the line of duty. During the protest, candles were lit for them.

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