The Kerala Government has started accepting donations for battling against COVID-19 via Chief Minister’s Pandemic Relief Fund. Through this campaign on Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund website, the government has urged individuals and groups to donate for the fight against COVID-19. Thousands of people have already donated to the fund, including a beedi worker. The beedi worker from Kannur, C. Janardhanan, has donated ₹2 lakhs in the CMDRF fund, leaving only ₹850 for himself.
Kerala Finance Minister And CM Appreciated The Kind Gesture
Lauding the kind gesture by Janardhanan, Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac tweeted, “A beedi worker from Kannur donates ₹2lakhs to CMDRF leaving just ₹850 in his account. Bank staff hesitated but his answer was that he could still roll beedies and also was entitled to disability pension. We are humbled by response of people.”
Keral rallies to #vaccinechallenge . A beedi worker from Kannur donates ₹2lakhs to CMDRF leaving just ₹850 in his account. Bank staff hesitated but his answer was that he could still roll beedies and also was entitled to disability pension. We are humbled by response of people.
— Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) April 25, 2021
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also shared a tweet, stating, “Many heartwarming stories are coming up about donations to the CMDRF, including that of an elderly man who donated 2L from his savings bank account which had ₹200,850 in it. It is this love for one another that sets us apart. Once again, thank each and every one of you!”
When the bank person asked Janardhanan how he would manage with his not-so-strong financial background, he replied that he would earn a living by rolling beedis, adding that his disability pension will act as his second source of income. According to a Deshabhimani report, Janardhanan said, “Partially deaf by birth, I underwent two surgeries at the Govt District Hospital and am able to hear fairly well now with an hearing aid. I also underwent operation for hernia and continue to avail treatment at the government hospital. When the Centre raised prices for vaccine, I felt the need to do something. That’s when I remembered a gratuity sum I had received up on my wife’s death. Next day, I visited the bank and had it all sent to CMDRF.”
The Tweets Received Loads Of Praises On The Internet
The tweets have received loads of praises on the internet. One user wrote, “Truly heartwarming. Love from Tamil Nadu. We are on it together.” Another commented, “Exemplary gesture from this ordinary worker!” Yet another wrote, “Simply Great Sir. This man knows the worth of money, the very purpose of having money.!” The Kerala Government started the ‘Pandemic Relief Fund’ campaign recently on the CMDRF portal. The website states, “Kerala is in a battle against COVID-19. The people of the State have shown great courage and tenacity in this fight against the pandemic. The outbreak and the consequent disruption have affected the lives of many. You can help rebuild the affected lives by making contributions to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).”
Also Read: Chef Saransh Goila Announces Launch Of PAN India COVID Meal Platform To Assist Quarantined Patients
Some Other Good Samaritans Who Have Come Forward To Help
Many other good samaritans have come forward to provide assistance at the time of crisis. A man from Mumbai’s Malad, named Shahnawaz Shaikh, sold his swanky SUV worth ₹22 lakhs to provide oxygen cylinders to COVID patients. A vegetable seller’s son also offered to donate his salary to save the lives of COVID patients. The user named Shubhal Shah from Vadodara, Gujarat offered to deliver free food to the doorstep of COVID patients. If you also know someone who is offering help, let us know in the comments section below.
First Published: April 27, 2021 12:28 PM