Edison, New Jersey
Well Read and Well Spoken
Listening to Sankara Velamuri speak was a pleasure, said Vijaya Sonti, a younger sister. His enunciation was distinct, his words precise and his diction elegant. He often quoted a bit of the English or Sanskrit literature he read voraciously. "Poetry," she said. "Religion. He had an excellent memory."
Mr. Velamuri, who grew up in Orissa, India, and worked previously in London, lived in Edison, N.J., with his wife, Avenal. When he immigrated, 30 years ago, he switched from metallurgy to accounting and found work at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The second oldest of 10 children, he was patient and learned, said Mrs. Sonti, a computer specialist with a master's degree in mathematics. "Growing up," she said, "he taught me algebra one summer. That created my interest in mathematics."
Mr. Velamuri loved company and good conversation, but also studied Hindu scriptures, attended temple and meditated at home.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today on the 20th anniversary of that awful day. May your family take joy in their memories of you.
Cathy Witzofsky
September 11, 2021
I'm thinking and praying for you and for your family as I have over the years. The world is a different place since that horrible day when so many people lost their lives. The heartache continues yet there is still beauty in the world. I hope and pray that your family has been comforted knowing that so many people think of everyone that died that day. Blessings on you and yours.
Cathy Witzofsky
September 11, 2019 | MO
"Sankara" means the ultimate destroyer of doubt.
Velamuri is the family name that my all my maternal cousins go with. They hail from the nellore/kavali area in Andhra Pradesh. The people are known to be highly intellectual, kind and courageous. I am proud of the fallen soul for all his deeds of his life line and his resolve in the time of emergency to help others while not worrying for himself. REST IN PEACE Sankara.
Venkat Chivukula
September 11, 2013 | Franklin Lakes, NJ
I am praying for Sankara, his family and loved ones on this 10th anniversary of his senseless death at the World Trade Center as I have since the first weeks after his death. I have read that he helped save people in the towers. I'm sure knowing of his strength and courage must be a comfort - it speaks so highly of his character. I pray especially for his wife. I will continue to remember Sankara and his family.
Cathy Witzofsky
September 11, 2011 | Winfield, MO
I came to know about the tragedy that Sankara Sastry garu passed away a few years after 9/11, and I was totally shocked. I spoke to Sankara Sastry garu over telephone when we moved to NJ from Washington DC area during 80’s, and once had a conversation with him in one of our common friends’ house for a lunch/prayer event. To this day, I can recall those conversations with him.
I just want you to know that my family thought about Sankara Sastry garu and his loved ones several times over...
Syama Velamuri
September 11, 2011 | Duluth, GA
As we near the 10th year of that terrible day.
I just wanted you to know that he was a man of honor and integrity as someone who represented a taxpayer who was audited by him.
With deepest respect for him.
Terry Kaliner
Terrence A Kaliner
September 03, 2011 | West Islip, NY
I am thinking of you and your loved ones today as I have throughout the years but especially on this terrible anniversary. I pray that time has brought some healing into the lives of Sankara's loved ones.
Cathy Wtizofsky
September 11, 2008 | O'Fallon, MO
In memory....
P Tabbernor
April 10, 2007 | Victoria, BC
Dear Uncle,
My parents knew you very well as well as my uncle. There was a puja at the Bridgewater temple in May 2001 and uncannily you are in all the pictures my parents took that day. It is almost divine in nature you were holding goddess. I would like to send my sympathies to Vasantha Aunty and all of your family. I never met you directly but read the brave and selfless sacrifice you made that day saving your friends. You are a testament to all that is good and pure in this world. You...
Madhuri M
August 21, 2006 | NJ
