As India fights the second wave of COVID-19, Indian celebrities are doing their bit by raising relief funds, amplifying resources, and encouraging others to do the same. With their influence and reach, many have been able to save lives and provide substantial financial help. By Presha Mahajan
1. Sonu Sood
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A known Samaritan, Sonu Sood has been actively involved in assisting the country since the beginning of COVID-19 last year. Then, the Indian celebrity helped countless migrant workers reach their hometowns safely. This time, he is using his expansive reach—6.2 million on Twitter; and 9 million on Instagram—on social media to help provide COVID-19 relief. He has been connecting SOS calls; he initiated a campaign for vaccination drives; and is sharing messages regarding oxygen, hospital beds, and medical requirements. To assure transparency, Sood has also created a telegram group, encouraging suppliers to join the channel and help the needy.
Join the group here.
2. Team Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB has identified key areas where much needed help is required immediately in healthcare infrastructure related to Oxygen support in Bangalore and other cities, and will be making a financial contribution towards this. pic.twitter.com/jS5ndZR8dt
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 2, 2021
Virat Kohli-led Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, has vowed to provide financial assistance for oxygen support in Bengaluru and other cities. In a tweet, the franchise also revealed that it will raise funds by engaging with fans and auctioning signed blue jerseys sported by players. This move has been taken in solidarity with the spirit of frontline workers. Moreover, with this, fans can even get their hands on exclusive merchandise by simultaneously raising funds for a noble deed. In a video posted on the franchise’s Twitter account, skipper Kohli says, “RCB has identified key areas where much-needed help is required immediately in healthcare infrastructure related to oxygen support in Bangalore and other cities and will be making a financial contribution towards this.”
3. Team Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals announce a contribution of over $1 milion from their owners, players and management to help with immediate support to those impacted by COVID-19. This will be implemented through @RoyalRajasthanF and @britishasiantst.
Complete details ?#RoyalsFamily
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 29, 2021
The Rajasthan cricketing franchise does not lag behind either, pledging over INR 5 crore to help in the country’s fight against the raging pandemic. According to an issued statement, players, team owners, and the team management have collectively come together to raise funds and provide immediate support to people impacted by the surge of Coronavirus cases. The project is implemented in collaboration with Rajasthan Royals’ philanthropic arm, Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF), along with the British Asian Trust (BAT).
4. Gautam Gambhir
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The cricketer-turned-politician’s non-profit organisation (NGO), Gautam Gambhir Foundation, has been providing help through their COVID-19 relief initiative. They have been distributing Fabiflu tablets, oxygen cylinders, food, air purifiers; and also setting up free COVID-19 centres in Delhi for anyone with a valid prescription. Recently, actor Akshay Kumar donated INR 1 crore to the foundation as well.
Donate to the cause here.
5. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
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Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her husband, actor-singer Nick Jonas have set up a fundraiser in collaboration with GiveIndia—an on-ground organisation helping during COVID-19. Reaching out to her 62.9 million followers on Instagram, she urged fans to donate—after already having done so herself— while also assuring them that the money will be utilised to develop healthcare infrastructure in the country. In a video uploaded on her account, Chopra-Jonas says, “India is my home, and India is bleeding.” She even tweeted an appeal to the US government to aid India with vaccines.
Donate for #TogetherForIndia cause here.
6. Ajay Devgn
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 29, 2021
Also coming out in support of frontline workers is actor Ajay Devgn who—in association with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Council (BMC) in Mumbai—has been raising funds and providing medical facilities to citizens affected by COVID-19. Additionally, he is working in collaboration with a city hospital to set up intensive care units (ICUs) for patients.
7. Alia Bhatt and Faye D’souza
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After having recovered from COVID-19 herself recently, Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt has joined hands with independent journalist, Faye D’souza, in an initiative called #CircleOfHope. With this, the two collectively amplify verified information, resources and numbers for those in need.
To do your bit, head over to their social media pages and help spread the word.
Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on #IndiaFightsCorona for all the latest travel guidelines.
