They call it the “Rat Village” — a small community of 17 families in south-eastern India’s Tamil Nadu province, which gained its unenviable name as a consequence of dietary necessity. Indirectly affected by the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, Vadapattanam has no claim to receive help from government organisations. With no employment, no income, no funds for schooling and no aid, the people of this small village captivated us with their resilience, optimism and friendship.
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I have not received help in writing this article, but would like to thank the Global Volunteers Network and Earthaid organisations for allowing me to pursue volunteer work in India.