Ananda Vikatan lends a helping hand to Kerala flood victims

Not even a year has passed since cyclone Ockhi hit. With the devastation caused by Ockhi still refusing to fade away from memory, the people of Kerala are now facing another natural disaster. The rain that was beating down on most parts of the state has damaged livelihoods and infrastructure in Kerala. Ten out of the fourteen districts in Kerala are marooned due to the floods. With the inflow of water to the dams showing no signs of decreasing, the flood gates of all the 27 dams in the state were opened as they were filled to the brim.

That is why Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has described this flood as the worst in the history of Kerala. Hundreds of thousands have lost their houses, businesses and possessions. By the most conservative estimates done as of now, 2,000 houses have been damaged. Roads to the extent of 10,000 km have been swept away. Total damages suffered by the state may exceed Rs. 8,316 Crores.

Families that ate and lived in their homes until yesterday, have lost their houses and are now living in relief camps. 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 and the Chief Minister of Kerala has called for donations to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund to redress the suffering of the people of the state.

Ananda Vikatan had helped in the rehabilitation of the people affected by Cyclone Thane in Cuddalore, and distributed rice bags to the families affected by the drought in Narimanam near Thanjavur, has replied to the Chief Minister's call by announcing Rs.10,00,000 as donation for Kerala's relief operations.

Vikatan readers are encouraged to send in their contributions to Vikatan, after which it would be handed over to the Government of Kerala.

Readers who wish to contribute, may draw DD or cheque in the name of Vasan Charitable Trust or transfer the funds by net-banking to Vikatan's Canara Bank account number 0416132000052 (RTGS/IFSC Code: CNRB0000416; Teynampet Branch -600018)

Readers who are residing overseas may send in their contributions to the 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 the Vikatan office situated at 757, Anna Salai, Chennai and collect the receipt for the same.

People who contribute to Vasan Charitable Trust stand to gain an income tax exemption under Income Tax Act 1961 (Order Number: DIT(E)NO.2(749)/03-04 dt. 10-05-2010)

Those who contribute should mention ‘கேரளாவுக்குக் கைகொடுப்போம்’ or ‘Lets Help Kerala’, and also intimate the information about contributions to this fund to ‘Ananda Vikatan, 757 Anna Salai, Chennai - 600002' to receive a receipt.