Country Profile

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th century and Turkish in the 12th were followed by European traders, beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control of virtually all Indian lands. Indian armed forces in the British army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance to British colonialism under Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU led to independence in 1947. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan. A third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. Fundamental concerns in India include the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, massive overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic and religious strife, all this despite impressive gains in economic investment and output.

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Tamil Nadu or "the land of Tamil" is the southern-most state of India. It is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and the deep blue Indian Ocean. 

Most of Tamil Nadu, the region of mainland India was hit hard by the tsunami.  More than 250 people have been killed and as many as one million more have been displaced by the heaviest rains in 50 years. Some of the worst hit areas include Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Kanyakumari.

World Hope partnered with Emerging Young Leaders for one year to provide training for 25 young adults from Nagappattinam who were victims of the Tsunami.  The program is designed to provide a “Life Coach” (mentor) for children affected by the Tsunami between the ages of 13 and 22.  The program allows for educational support for 25 children and skill training for at least 20 young adults.