Nagepur girls donate ‘Rakhi gift’ for Kerala
VARANASI :Sixteen girls from PM Narendra Modi’s adopted village Nagepur have donated their ‘Rakhi’ gift money for the flood-affected people of Kerala.
“The flood has wreaked havoc in Kerala and left many people homeless. We have decided to help them with whatever we can and so donated the paltry sum, which we received from our brothers as ‘Rakhi’ gift,” Puja Patel, a donor, who is pursuing MA, said.
The girls donated between ₹ 50 and 150 thus making it a total of
₹1960. Aged between 18 and 22 years, the girls are graduation and post-graduation students.
The humanitarian act of the girls has inspired many women of the village to help the floodhit people of Kerala. They have decided to generate a fund of ₹ 9,000 and so far have managed to garner ₹5,000.
They are hopeful of gathering the remaining ₹4,000 in next two days.
Mamta Patel, another donor, who is pursuing graduation, said: “The nature’s fury has caused massive destruction in Kerala. We came to know about it through TV and newpapers. I have contributed the little amount, which my brother gave me as gift on Raksha Bandhan.”
Rekha Patel, who was among the 16 contributors, also joined the effort.
Her brother Nikhil Kumar Patel expressed happiness over his sister’s act.
“I am proud of my sister. She is always ready to help the needy people,” he said.
Sarita Devi, a Nagepur village woman, said, “I donated whatever little I got had. Likewise, many other women donated whatever amount they could afford. So far we have collected Rs 5,000 and are hopeful to generate Rs 4,000 soon.”
Nandlal Master, a social activist who helped the girls and women in collecting the money, said the amount will be deposited in the Kerala chief minister’s flood relief fund by next week.
Nandlal said the villagers have also donated two quintals of food grains, including wheat and rice. “It will also be sent for the Kerala flood-hit people. A group of social activists, including me, is planning to visit the state in next few days,” Nandlal said.
Father Anand (he goes by one name), who is associated with Sajha Sanskriti Manch, will also be part of the delegation to Kerala, he said. Nagepur is the second adopted village of the prime minister after Jayapur. Both are in Varanasi district, his parliamentary constituency.