Kerala, we stand by you, says Delhi

As the nation prays for Kerala which is fighting its worst flood in history, Delhi has sprung into action to help the calamity-hit state. Keralites in the Capital have cancelled Onam celebrations to send funds to those in need. “It’s an emotional time. Onam celebrations planned by Nair Service Society, Delhi Malayalee Association and Balagokulam, a Malayali association, have been cancelled. We will donate the funds collected for festivities to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund,” says Akhil A Nair, a 23-year-old M Tech student. Pooja Pithambaran, resident of Janak Puri, is organising relief efforts. “We were discussing festive plans and now we face this disaster. I am helping people locate their relatives,” she says.

Sijo Varghese, 21, secretary, Youth League, St Thomas Marthoma Church, Karol Bagh, shares how the news of the flood reversed his Onam plans. “Our conversation changed from what to wear on Onam to how to send funds to Kerala. We urgently set up a relief fund.” Campus students too, have come forth to help. The National Students Union of India (NSUI ) is organising collection drives across DU colleges, with collection points at Hansraj College, Ramjas College, SRCC, Arts Faculty, and Hindu College. Students can donate food, bottled water, candles, money, clothes, groceries, towels, and blankets here. “We visited colleges to discuss the gravity of the situation,” says Kunal Sehrawat, vice president, NSUI. Namita Sunil, Anam Hussain and Sreelal from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) are also doing their bit by collecting funds. “It’s a heartbreaking situation. People are in dire need of support,” says Sunil.

Another group ,‘Kerala Needs YOU’, led by Manisha Suresh, a geologist, will set up collection camps in GK M Block, Sarojini Nagar and Hauz Khas next week. Celebs, too, are urging people to help the flood-hit families.

Tragic to see what’s happening in #KeralaFloods please help in whatever way you can.

#PrayForKerala ABHISHEK BACHCHAN ACTOR

The devastation caused in Kerala by the floods is gutwrenching. Whatever we can do, we must.

ANUSHKA SHARMA ACTOR