An Indian woman, a victim of terrorism in the Kashmiri valley, has been nominated to the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation Board of Directors.Savita Bhan Wakhlu, a successful New York-based entrepreneur, became the first Indian and the first international woman in the 32-member board of directors.The mandate of the foundation is to build and operate a memorial and memorial museum at Ground Zero of the World Trade Centre site, demolished on September 11. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2006 and opening scheduled for 2009.Wakhlu is managing director of the Jagriti Communications, a training and development firm specialising in individual and organisational learning. A mechanical engineer and graduate from the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Wakhlu relocated to New York in 2003. ‘‘Members of Savita’s family and her in-laws have been victims of terrorism in India, so she acutely understands the need to create a memorial which not only commemorates those we lost in the terrorist attacks, but also stands as a symbol of our resolve to end hate and foster tolerance,’’ said the CEO of the foundation.In her first reaction, Wakhlu said: ‘‘It is humbling to be a part of the creation of the World Trade Center Memorial. This edifice will be a constant reminder for humanity to strive for global peace, tolerance and harmony.’’
