The entire world has come to a standstill owing to the global pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID 19). Everyone, including the government and commoners, are taking positive steps to control this widespread disease. Keeping the huge cost aspect of testing, quarantine and treatment (when the vaccine is developed) in mind, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to people to donate generously to the Public Charitable Trust called ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund)’. It has been instituted to help people in distress.
Several Bollywood personalities have come forward to support this cause. Actor-producer Akshay Kumar announced that he has donated Rs 25 crore to the fund. Taking to his social media account, Akshay shared, “This is that time when all that matters is the lives of our people. And we need to do anything and everything it takes. I pledge to contribute Rs 25 crore from my savings to @narendramodi ji’s PM-CARES Fund. Let’s save lives, Jaan hai toh jahaan hai.”
Taking pride over her husband’s decision, Twinkle Khanna wrote on her Twitter, “The man makes me proud. When I asked him if he was sure as it was such a massive amount and we needed to liquidate funds, he just said, ‘I had nothing when I started and now that I am in this position, how can I hold back from doing whatever I can for those who have nothing?’.”
T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar has pledged to donate Rs 11 crore. Bhushan Kumar wrote on his Twitter account, “Today, we are all at a really crucial stage and it’s extremely important to do all we can to help. I, along with my entire @TSeries family pledge to donate Rs.11 crore to the PM-CARES Fund. We can and will fight this together, Jai Hind.”
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Jay Patel and Randeep Hooda, have partnered and decided to contribute Rs 1 crore to PM CARES Fund, for daily wages workers and ventilators. Randeep, who has been actively involved in various environmental and social causes, said, “We salute the heroes who are serving against the life-threatening Coronavirus Disease without fear round the clock – doctors, nurses, police and daily needs suppliers.”
Some of the young actors from the industry have also contributed to the cause. Varun Dhawan took a “pledge to contribute Rs 30 lakh to the PM CARE fund”. “We will overcome this. Desh hai toh hum hain,” Varun wrote on his social media handle.
Singer Guru Randhawa donated Rs 20 lakh and wrote, “I have earned money through my shows and songs which you all have bought tickets for. So here is doing my contribution. Jai Hind,” the Suit Suit hitmaker further wrote.
Kriti Sanon urged followers to help the government. “We all need to come together in this time of crisis! I pledge to contribute and do my bit! Guys.. Do whatever best you can.. small or big.. just contribute! It’ll save a life or help someone in need and eventually make India healthier,” Kriti tweeted.
Hrithik Roshan through his social media has informed that he had procured N95 and FFP3 masks for the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) workers and other caretakers. Comedy king Kapil Sharma, too donated a sum of Rs 50 lakh to the Prime Minister Relief Fund to help fight coronavirus in the country. “It’s time to stand together with the ones who need us. Request everyone to #stayhome #staysafe #jaihind #PMrelieffund @narendramodi,” he wrote.
Many are doing their bit differently. Actress Sonnalli Seygal has uploaded a video on her Instagram page where she is seen distributing food to the needy.
