The state of Kerala, popularly known as God’s own country, was rocked by a massive flood. People lost their homes, their belongings, their lives and survival seemed like a long shot. However, help arrived swiftly from the people of India, NGOs, celebrities, fishermen and of course the Indian Army. But out of all of them, the most underrated helping hands have been those of the children.
While many Indians donated clothes, money and food for the Kerala flood victims, others hesitated to do so because they weren’t sure where their money would go. Some adults even spread negativity and fake news in these times of need. But young India steered their way through all that and reached out to Kerala in every way they can.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen many stories of kids doing their best to help out the Kerala flood victims. So, here are the instances that won over the internet.
1. Akshaya from Tamil Nadu donated part of the funds collected for her heart surgery to help people in Kerala.
“Many children like me have suffered in the floods. So I decided to help them by donating a portion of the money I had collected for my surgery. I am sure someone will help me. Right now, Kerala is in dire need of help.”
According to India Today, the 12-YO had collected ₹20,000 of the ₹2.5 lakh she needs for her heart surgery. However, after witnessing the situation in Kerala, she decided to donate ₹5000 to Makkal Padhai, a volunteer organisation engaged in collecting relief materials for the flood victims.
2. Aparajita Saha from Kolkata handed over her piggy bank to add to the Kerala relief fund going from her city.
“I want this (money) to be given to my sisters in Kerala.”
NDTV reported that 4-year-old Aparajita had collected money that she had received on her birthday in a piggy bank. Her intention was to use that money to buy a CD player to rehearse for her dance classes. But instead, she donated a hefty sum of ₹14,800 to CPI(M) leader Biman Bose, after seeing the devastation the floods have caused in Kerala.
3. Teenage siblings from Kannur donated 1 acre of their landed property to the Kerala CM’s Distress Relief Fund. 16-YO V.S. Swaha said to TOI,
Swaha and her brother Brahma were overwhelmed by the scenes of Kerala they saw on TV and were eager to help out. Although they were unsure about their father’s reaction, they went ahead with it and he proudly did the needful. Biswa is hopeful that this will inspire others as well to help Keralites rebuild their state.
4. 8-YO Anupriya from Tamil Nadu donated the money she was collecting for buying a bicycle for four years.
“I saw the people suffering in the floods in Kerala. So I asked my father to give all the money I had saved in my piggy banks to them.”
Since the age of four, Anupriya was saving up in coins to buy her very own bicycle and had collected ₹8846. But her tiny heart was grief-stricken after seeing the scenes in Kerala. So, without thinking twice, she gave all her money to her father, who rounded it off to ₹9000 and sent it to the CM’s relief fund. In addition to that, Hero Cycles was so impressed by her act that they bought her a brand new cycle. So, heartwarming.
5. Two Kochi kids broke their piggy bank to donate all the money they were saving up for buying a study table. Their mother Fathima said that,
“After seeing us donating clothes and other things to the relief camps our children came asked about giving their entire money from their ‘baby bank’ to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund, I was so happy.”
Haroon and Diya from Kochi had saved ₹2210 to buy a study table. However, they thought that that money will be much helpful for the people who’re suffering due to the Kerala floods. Their mother said that the amount might not be enough, but she’s glad they’ve done their part in reviving their state.
It feels good to read such heartwarming stories of young Indians pouring their selfless love for fellow countrymen. Maturity takes years of experience to build, but love and compassion…kids have them by birth. The future of India is in good hands.