In what could easily pass off as a disaster of biblical proportions, Kerala and Coorg have been battling the fury of mother nature at her worst over the past ten days. Incessant rains have wreaked havoc in these areas and the situation is becoming alarming with each passing day. While there have been differing reports on the number of lives that have been lost, official estimates put the number at around 400 lives in the state of Kerala and atleast 7 lives in Coorg. The flood waters in Kerala have reportedly damaged crops and properties worth over Rs 20,000 crore and the numbers are only likely to build up over time.
There are several NGOs and organizations that have set up relief funds and measures to aid the people of Kerala and Coorg. The Hindu Group of Publications for instance has set up a relief fund and the contributions made to this fund would be forwarded to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Contributions may be made in rupees by crossed cheque or demand draft (payable in Chennai) drawn in favour of ‘The Hindu Relief Fund’. A covering letter must accompany the draft mentioning the name and postal address of the donor, with PAN (if available). The envelope may be sent to: ‘The Hindu Relief Fund’, Kasturi Buildings, 859-860 Anna Salai, Chennai 600002 and a receipt would be issued for the same.
Alternatively, bank transfers may be made in favour of ‘The Hindu Relief Fund’, to Central Bank of India, Anna Salai branch, Chennai (826 Tarapore Towers, Anna Salai). IFSC: CBIN0280879. Current Account No. 3453685237. Those making bank transfers may send an email with the donor’s name and postal address with PAN (if available), along with the UTR number to helpkerala@thehindu.co.in and a receipt would be sent across to the donor by email.
All donations made would be eligible for exemption under Section 80-G of The Income Tax Act. You may access the article by The Hindu on this by clicking here.
For our Bangalore and Mysore based readers the Kodava Samaja in Bangalore and Mysore have set up collection centres where people may donate non-perishable food items, emergency medicine, blankets, clothes, torches, packaging items etc. You may contact the following numbers for donations to be made in Bangalore – +91-9845243561 and +91-9980990599 and Malchira Ponnappa on 98441 38873 or Chendanda Shammi on 99459 99366 in Mysore.
There are a few moments in our lives that define us for who we are by the things we do. This is our moment, we at BananaIP and Intellepedia earnestly urge our readers and the IP community to do their bit and help the affected people of Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala.
The IP (Intellectual Property) Community and our readers have been supporting various endeavors over the years and we appeal to their good conscience to consider making a contribution to the nations immediate need any helping those affected in any manner as they can. Any support made towards this endeavor will be greatly appreciated. Contributors may send us an email to gaurav@bananaip.com with information about your contribution and we would be happy to write an article on our blog on the good work that you are doing. We look forward to your continuing support.
Authored by Gaurav Mishra
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