Vijayashanker Paramsothy

From September 11 Memories

Vijayashanker Paramsothy died in the South Tower of the World Trade Center after making a decision to stay to help others. He worked for Aon Corporation. After the first plane had hit the north tower, Mr. Paramsothy and a number of his Aon colleagues made their way down to the 78th floor sky lobby of the south tower. This floor was an elevator and information hub. At 9:03am it was packed with people trying to decide what to do. At this moment, the second plane impacted the south tower at the 78th floor. Of the approximately 150 people who had been milling around the elevator banks, all but approximately 20 were killed immediately or mortally injured. Mr. Paramsothy was relatively unhurt. He began gathering the survivors among the Aon people, including colleague Judy Wein. According to Ms. Wein, a man with a red handkerchief began instructing those who could leave to do so immediately and those who wanted to help get other people out to come with him. Mr. Paramsothy went with the man. Vijay, as he was known to all, presumably died in the tower's collapse fifty minutes later.

Tributes

september 1997 ,I started to MBA program at TCI(the College of Insurance)and I had been just arrived to New York and had no friends feel lonely,far away from home . I met with V.J. at our class and luckly we were living at same floor and almost neighbours(two door next).He always tried to talk to me and invite his rooms ,go out bars ...etc. In my culture(Turkish) we have dervishes(whirling dervishes)their believe are hug everyone and their words are "whatever, whoever you are welcome to us" yes my friend V.J. was like them he always open his rooms to everyone and share his food too.In our college days, When you were looking for someone ,you firstly looked to V.J.'s room. I believe No one can forget his. Once(on a breezy day) we walked up to 42nd street to buy him a camera during the walk we talked a lot, now I remember all of the our talks.He said about malaysia ,his future career,his family,house there and malaysian natureand wishes .He has friends all over the world like;japan,Turkish,chinese,Brazilian,Italian,German,Spanish,Argentinian,Costa Rican,Moroccan,....etc.

you were a great person and I am happy to met such a nice and wonderful person like you

Your Friend Figo(From Turkey)