<p>Family and friends of Sunil Tripathi, a Brown student missing since mid-March, will encourage the University community to join a “hand campaign” Tuesday morning to share messages via social media, encouraging his safe return.</p>

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Sunil Tripathi, a Brown student on approved leave, has been missing since March 16, 2013. An extensive search led by the Providence Police Department has been ongoing, with the cooperation of Brown Public Safety and the University community.

Members of the community will be asked to “Lend your Hand” on the College Green at Brown University on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. All will be invited to write messages for Tripathi on their hands. Photos of the messages will be taken, posted on Facebook, and shared via social media to advance the search for Tripathi and inspire his return.

Social media incorrectly linked Tripathi to the Boston Marathon bombings, taking his name and photograph viral. “This campaign is designed to keep that momentum going, but in a positive way to advance the search for our missing brother,” said Sangeeta Tripathi, sister of the missing student.

Who
The Tripathi family and Brown University will host a hand-messaging campaign to encourage return of missing student Sunil Tripathi.

What
Messages will be written on hands, photos taken, and posted on Facebook and distributed through social media.

When
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Where
The College Green
Brown University Campus