The orphans from the Anna Sathyai government orphanage in Nagapattinam town in southern Tamil Nadu state were taken on a tour of their old beachfront homes by the authorities after ceremonies marking the anniversary of the catastrophe.

While they sobbed openly during the visit, the children -- 72 girls and 27 boys -- regained their composure once back at the orphanage and were happy to find gifts and toys donated by various non-governmental organisations.

Of the 99 children in the home, 58 lost both parents. The others were placed in the shelter because their surviving parent could not care for them.

"I felt sad and cried when I saw the place which used to be our home. Though I miss my two sisters I am happy here with my 72 sisters," said 11-year-old S. Murugapandi, who lost both parents and his two sisters to the waves.

"I remembered how my parents were swept away ... When I grow up I do not want to be a fisherman like my father. I want to be the president of India like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who hails from Tamil Nadu," he added.

S. Niramala, 15, who lost both parents and four sistsers, said she wanted to move forward.

"I no longer want to remember the past or anything to do with that horrible day. The past is past, it is the future I look forward to. I want to join the Indian police service and work for the poor and exploited women in my country," she said.

"I do remember my parents and four sisters and hope they are in heaven. But I have to accept reality. I am happy here."

Another girl, 11-year-old P. Vasantrani, lost her mother and six sisters. Her father, a fisherman, put her in the orphanage because he was unable to care for her.

"I feel bad for my father," she said. "He does not have the time to look after me so he put me here. I am happy here with so many siblings but my father is alone.

"I at times do weep for my mother and six sisters. We were a very happy family. My father comes to meet me every Sunday. He never used to drink but I heard now he has taken to alcohol to overcome his grief."

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