I first met Harkrishna in 1999 when he and Father Thomas Kocherry joined me for a speaking tour of the U.S. just before the meetings of the World Trade Organization in Seattle. They were on a mission to make sure the future of the ocean and traditional coastal communities were not compromised by the WTO. It was a month that will always be with me. What an amazing experience to be with advocates that are literally moving people – physically, emotionally, spiritually and politically – toward creating change.

We will all have to work harder to fill the void left by his physical presence in this world. His spirit will be with us as we continue to do the work he considered his life’s work.

Our condolensces to all those mourning his loss and celebrating his life.

– Niaz Dorry, NAMA’s Coordinating Director

Read more about Harekrishna Debnath from Father Thomas Kocherry, read National Fishworker Forum’s press release, and messages from around the world