Silicon Valley: Americans joined Indian origin people in an inter-faith candlelight prayer vigil in Silicon Valley to mourn the victims of the Mumbai blasts and to emphasise the need for the international community to act firmly to bring an end to terrorism across the world.

The event, attended by more than 250 people of all faiths including Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Jews, featured hymns, scriptures, reflections, prayers and special music, followed by a candle lighting ceremony on August 31 to celebrate the oneness with those who have been victims of terrorism.

"We must understand that terrorism is colour blind and we must work to eradicate this scourge," said Yogi Chug, spokesman for the Federation of Indian-American Associations of Northern California (FIA), which organised the event.

"We mourn the loss of those that have lost their lives as a result of the perpetrators of the terror blasts in Mumbai. We will use our collective strength to address this recent tragic crisis in India, the US and other parts of the world where terrorism has taken its toll," said Romesh Japra, FIA president and a noted cardiologist in the Bay Area.

The twin blasts near Mumbadevi and Gateway of India areas in South Mumbai on August 25 killed 52 people and injured many others.

PTI