Indian-American student's family issues video plea

The anxious family of 22-year-old Indian-American Sunil Tripathi, who went missing on March 16, has issued a passionate video plea for him to return home.

"Not knowing his whereabouts, we feel strongly about communicating with him directly," said Judy Tripathi, Sunil's mother in the short video released on Monday.

"Each of us wants to express to Sunil our unconditional love and support, and how much we long for him to be back with us," she said.

Through the video, Sunil's sister Sangeeta is eager to tell him about her recent trip to East Africa.

"I brought a soccer jersey home for you, as I always do. I am so looking forward to seeing you wearing it," she said.

Law enforcement agencies continue to receive tips, while diligently investigating each one.

An undergraduate student from the BrownUniversity, Sunil went missing on March 16. He left his cell phone, ID and wallet in his room, where he was last seen by his room-mate at 11 am on March 16.

Born and brought up in Kanpur, Sunil lives in Pennsylvania where he runs a software company.

Families, residents, and local businesses of the Providence community have joined the authorities and Brown University, to trace him.

"We are grateful to so many people and groups, not only in Providence, but also in far-reaching locales, including service organizations dedicated to the safe return of missing persons," said Akhil Tripathi, Sunil's father.

"Our time here has made us think a lot about the importance of family and community. In many ways, Sunil has brought us together and given us a chance to bond. We look forward to sharing many of our stories with him soon," said Ravi his brother.