Kerala flood hero refuses cash gift
DUBAI BUSINESSMAN HAD OFFERED RS100,000 TO STREET GARMENT SELLER
Noushad tells businessman to donate money for relief work
Astreet vendor who became a hero in Kerala for donating 10 sacks of clothes for flood victims, has again shown how kindhearted he is.
Noushad rejected a cash gift of Rs100,000 (Dh5,000) offered by a Dubai-based Indian businessman on Thursday and instead asked that the money be donated for flood relief.
Hailing from the flood-hit south Indian state, Afi Ahmad, managing director of Smart Travel, had on Monday announced the gift through a Facebook video after watching the viral footage of Noushad’s generous gesture of donating his Eid stock.
Ahmad flew down to Kerala to meet the small-time garment seller on Thursday.
“I came to Kannur, met my parents and then took the next flight to Kochi to go and meet Noushadikka [Noushad brother, as is fondly addressed],” Ahmad told Gulf
News over the phone from Kerala on Thursday.
However, during their meeting, which was also live streamed on Facebook on Thursday night, Noushad rejected the cash gift that Ahmad had announced and asked him to donate it for the flood relief operations.
Next best option
“I decided to purchase clothes from him for that amount so that he gets the money, not as charity, but as payment for his ready-made garments,” said Ahmad.
Since Noushad informed him that he was due to open a new textile shop — a 100 square foot rented space in a local shopping complex — next week, Ahmad said he would make arrangements to purchase the clothes on the inaugural day.
He also announced that he will donate another Rs100,000 to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund on behalf of Noushad.
Handing over two cheques worth Rs100,000 each to Noushad, Ahmad reiterated his promise to bring him and his family to Dubai for a visit.
Speaking to Gulf News over the phone, Noushad said he finally accepted the offer for the Dubai trip because he was told that his visit would inspire many Indian expats, especially businessmen, to contribute for flood relief and to rebuild Kerala.
He said he would give specially discounted rates for Ahmad when he makes the purchase from his shop as that would benefit more people in distress.
“I had donated rice and clothes to people affected in floods last year too, but I had not told anybody,” said Noushad. “This year too it was a small gesture from my side, but somehow it became a big deal and the video went viral.”
‘Heart-broken’
Noushad said he was heartbroken when he saw the poor response to people who were making rounds in Broadway Ernakulam to collect floodrelief materials.
“Then I brought them to my store room and gave whatever I could give. I never expected
this kind of an overwhelming response for that.”
In the Facebook live video posted by Malayalam actor Rajesh Sharma, Noushad was seen impulsively filling sacks with different types of readymade garments, e specially children’s clothing, even after he was asked to stop it as he might incur losses.
Flood of appreciation
After the video won the hearts of Malayalis across the world, Noushad was flooded with calls and messages appreciating his gesture.
Those lauding his effort included Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, Malayalam superstar Mammootty and actor Jayasurya.
“I got calls from the US, Canada, everywhere. Some people told me they will sponsor a new shop for me. But, I have politely rejected that also. I told them to help the needy around them with that money,” said Noushad, who was once a Gulf expat.
He said he had worked in a fruit market in Saudi Arabia for nine years and had returned in 2000 after he lost his job due to nationalisation in that job category.
I had donated rice and clothes to people affected in floods last year too, but I did not tell anybody. This year too it was a small gesture from my side, but somehow it became a big deal and the video went viral.” Noushad | Kerala flood hero and garment vendor