Chennai: Not even a year has passed since cyclone Ockhi. With the devastation caused by Ockhi still refusing to fade away from memory, the people of Kerala are now facing one more natural disaster. The rain that was lashing most parts of the state and subsequent floods has marooned ten out of the 14 districts in Kerala. It has damaged the livelihood and infrastructure of the State.Hundreds of thousands have lost their houses, businesses and possessions. God’s own country is now reduced to shambles.
To lend a helping hand to those people in need, the State and Central Governments have intensified their relief operations. The State Chief Minister has called for donations to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund to redress the suffering of the people of the state.
Anandha Vikatan which has helped in the rehabilitation of the people affected by Thane Cyclone in Cuddalore and distributed rice bags to the families affected by the drought in Narimanam near Thanjavur has replied to the Chief Ministers call by announcing“Lets Help Kerala” initiative. As part of the initiative Ananda Vikatan has encouraged its readers to contribute generously towards Kerala’s relief operations.
The Magazine Cover of Ananda Vikatan themed after ‘Lets Help Kerala’ initiative has set a trend in social media and created widespread awareness onthe need for helping hand from the neighboring state and fellow countrymen.
B Srinivasan, MD, Ananda Vikatan Group said, “As you are aware, the unprecedented rains lashing most parts of Kerala damaged the entire livelihood and its infrastructure. Kerala has started drowning in the floodwaters and with water inflow to the dams showing no signs of decreasing; the floodgates of all the 27 dams which were filled to the brim, were opened. We realised that Kerala Government needs all the possible support, both monetary and humanitarian aid. Vikatan had always been in the forefront of extending its helping hands whenever there is a need. We contributed Rs. 10 Lakh thru Vasan Charitable Trust and decided to appeal to our readers for the cause.”
“When one of our artists came up with an illustration of lending a Helping Hand to pull the drowned Kerala from the flood waters, we felt its appropriate to carry it as our cover picture to espouse the cause of Flood relief. This picture truly reflects the state of Kerala and everyone had identified with cause started sharing it thru FB & WA” added Srinivasan.
Readers who wish to contribute, may draw DD or Cheaue in the name of Vasan Charitable Trust or transfer the funds by net-banking to our Canara Bank Account number 0416132000052 (RTGS/IFSC Code: CNRB0000416; Teynampet Branch -600018)
Readers who are residing overseas may send in their contributions to our Indian Bank Account Number 443380918 (IFSC Code: IDIB000C032, Swift Code: IDIBINBBESI Ethiraj College Branch, Chennai 600008). Those who wish to contribute in person are welcome to remit it in our office situated at 757, Anna Salai, Chennai and get the receipt for the same.
People who contribute to Vasan Charitable Trust stand to gain income tax exemption under Income Tax Act 1961 (Order Number: DIT(E)NO.2(749)/03-04 dt. 10-05-2010)
Please don’t forget to mention ‘Lets Help Kerala’ while remitting the contribution and intimate the information about your remittance of fund to ‘Ananda Vikatan, 757 Anna Salai, Chennai – 600002′ so they we can send you the receipt.
