Kerala is reeling from its worst floods in over a century, and although the national media remains shoddy in its coverage besides the odd publication, help is pouring in from all sides.
In a call for more help, film actor Siddharth, of Rang De Basanti fame, started an initiative called the ‘Kerala Donation Challenge’ where he tweeted a photo showing the amount he had donated to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. He also attached a letter encouraging others to do the same.
“I dare you. I beg of you! What do I have to do to make you read and share this? I did the #KeralaDonationChallenge It was awesome! Will you? Please? #KeralaFloods #SaveKerala @CMOKerala,” read the tweet.
I dare you. I beg of you!
What do I have to do to make you read and share this?
I did the #KeralaDonationChallenge
It was awesome!
Will you? Please?#KeralaFloods#SaveKerala@CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/9RmMjSKVBC
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) August 16, 2018
In the letter, the star expresses his pain about the lack of attention people are paying to the situation unfolding in Kerala with the casualty toll around 100 and millions displaced.
“I am pained by the lack of adequate attention being given to this situation. It reminds me of a similar apathy displayed by the national media during devastating Tamil Nadu floods of 2015,” reads a part of the letter attached to his tweet.
He goes on to write that every rupee donated towards flood relief will make a difference and that he believes in the power of social media to create magical movements overnight.
“I implore you to contribute whatever ever you can to this urgent cause. Please post your donation proof online if you wish to inspire others to do the same. Let us call this the #KeralaDonationChallenge. We all know how much the internet loves a challenge,” the letter states.
Besides money and material contribution, the actor sought greater coverage of the unfolding disaster in Kerala on social media and traditional media, which he believes will make a difference.
Also Read: Humanity From Our Youngest: Kochi Kids Break Piggy Bank For #KeralaFloodRelief
“Together we can make a difference. We have seen impossible targets become possible when people come together to help others. Let us help make the difference.”
The actor is only the latest among Southern cine celebrities including Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda and Dulquer Salman, among others, who have donated money and material to flood relief efforts.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)