Pics: Inchara Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 10: The generosity and creativity of Ravi and his friends from Katapady, who dress up as different characters and entertain people for a cause on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, has benefited five needy families. The money pooled together by this enterprising group was distributed to the deserving beneficiaries at SVS College Katpady on Wednesday September 9.
The group collected Rs 3,20,000 from across Udupi. Last year, Ravi had collected Rs 1 lac and contributed this toward an arm surgery for baby Anvita, daughter of Mukambika from Ellampalli. This was his seventh year of donning fancy dress during Sri Krishna Janmashtami for a cause. He has variously dressed up as Avatar, Spiderman, octopus, John Carter, and others to raise funds for the needy.
Appreciating Ravi and his friends' efforts, superintendent of police (SP) Annamalai said, "I am very happy about his hard work. He has proved that a person can achieve anything and bring changes in the society without being in position of power. Ravi’s parents must feel truly proud to have such a blessed son. This shows that humanity and the instinct to help are still alive in people’s hearts."
Annamalai personally contributed Rs 10,000 to the cause.
Initially, the group had decided to support four needy families, and then extended it to one more beneficiary. They gifted amounts as follows: Rs 1,02,000 for Prathik (8 months), son of Prakash and Sujatha Acharya from Herur Brahmavar, Rs 1,06,000 for Akshita Poojary (4), daughter of Sridhar and Leelavati from Kalasa, who is suffering from diabetes, Rs 52,000 for Avinash (9), son of Shankar and Shanta Poojary from Keelinje in Saralebettu, who is physically handicapped, Rs 35,000 for Nishita (12), daughter of Jaya and Usha Poojary from Indira Nagar Katpadi who does not have control over her legs, and Sagar (12), son of Bhoja and Surekha from Mudarangadi, who is a blood cancer patient.
Ravi also contributed Rs 15,000 to the development of SVS College library.
Ravi said that this year’s funds had crossed his expectations. "All my friends used money from their own pocket for banner and other things. Last year, there were 18 who supported me and this year more than 35 have worked collectively to pool in funds. I hope that by next year the number of friends will increase. I thank everyone for their support."
The SP felicitated Ravi and his parents for his excellent achievements on the occasion, along with two brilliant make-up men. The cheques were distributed by Ravi as well as Annamalai. Mahesh Nayak, convener, SVS Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Suresh Shetty Gurme, and ZP member Geetanjali Suvarna were present.
The group has invited applications from needy families to extend a helping hand to them.