Donations made through #IndiaForKerala will go directly to NDTV partner NGO Plan India.
After being hit by the worst floods in over a century, Kerala is struggling to rebuild itself. 265 people have died since August 8 and the government has estimated that Rs. 21,000 crore will be needed to rebuild the state. Rescue operations now over, the focus has shifted to providing relief and rehabilitation to the over one million people displaced by the floods.
With a very specific goal of enabling the rebuilding of villages in the worst-affected districts and providing immediate assistance in terms of rehabilitation and food kits to people, NDTV, in partnership with Tata Sky, had organised a special telethon. NDTV's #IndiaForKerala telethon raised over Rs 10.4 crore to help people worst-affected by the floods to rebuild their lives. All donations will go directly to NDTV partner NGO Plan India.
NDTV chose to report on this massive crisis with unwavering focus and commitment; having done that, now NDTV looks as it always does, to go beyond the news and make a difference to people's lives.
Here are the highlights of #IndiaForKerala campaign by NDTV:
And it's a wrap...
We thank each and everyone for their contributions, big or small. You can continue to donate towards the Kerala flood relief by clicking
here.
Let us continue to help Kerala rebuild itself.
#IndiaForKerala
NDTV has raised over Rs 10 crore through its telethon
This is what your donations will be used for:
Parvez Ahmad, Chairman and CEO, Jammu and Kashmir Bank donates Rs 50 lakh:
- Our employees have contributed for the tragedy in Kerala.
- Floods in Kerala have left a huge trail of devastation. In Jammu and Kashmir too, we have seen similar devastation. As responsible citizens, we are just giving it back to the society.
Faber-Castell Donates Rs 3 Lakh At #IndiaForKerala TelethonFaber-Castell's HR Director Arti Aggarwal bought 11-year-old artist Aarav Verma's painting for Rs 11 lakh at the NDTV-Tata Sky #IndiaForKerala telethon. Aarav's painting was completed onstage during the telethon. The funds will be used to rebuild the flood-ravaged state of Kerala. Praising the painting by Aarav, Arti Aggarwal said that buying the painting was Faber-Castell's way of helping people in Kerala. Donate now for Kerala flood relief.
Singer Jasbir Jassi sings a Punjabi song during his live performance for NDTV's telethon. Dedicates Amir Khusro's "Chaap Tilak" to the people of Kerala.
"Together for each other": Actor Sonakshi Sinha
Kerala is known as God's own country. You seem helpless sitting in Mumbai, you want to be out there and help them out. We should do our bit.
It is our duty as a country, we should be there for Kerala. The spirit of our country is such that whatever happens in our country we get together and come together for each other.
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performs with his sons Amaan and Ayaan on NDTV's telethon
NDTV has raised over Rs 9.48 crore till 8.30 pm.
This is what your donations will be used for:
Call 011-41577789 or click
here to make your contribution.
Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Raman Singh's appeal:
The chief minister makes an appeal to everyone asking them to come forward to help people of Kerala. "Everyone should contribute in every way they can. I thank NDTV for starting this initiative," he said on NDTV's telethon.
Nandita Das on Rebuilding Kerala
- We need to do the best we can in terms of contributing. Monetary or otherwise.
- The disaster is in the news, we should not forget it later on. We should make governments accountable and dig deeper to see what are the causes of it.
- Some say the disaster happened because "God is upset with us" I think we should dig deeper
- Why are we always waking up after the damage is done?
"Admire the determination of Kerala", says Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog
- The Kerala rescue and relief efforts are also a great example of commendable partnership between Army, Navy, NDRF. Our focus here on should be on sustainability
- Comprehensive planning is the need of the hour
"We have to pick up from nowhere": Congress' Shashi Tharoor speaks on flood relief and how we can all help
"We have seen a lot of young people helping. 535 consignments have gone from Thiruvananthapuram. The spirit of solidarity has been amazing. People have not gotten into the politics etc. It is the beginning of a process. It is going to be a big challenge. We had schools being converted into relief camps. Thiruvananthapuram airport became the hub. It became a huge source for relief.
Kerala is suffering. 12 out of the 14 districts have been suffered a great deal. It is what happens next. 80,000 kilometres of roads damaged, over 50,000 homes damaged. We got to pick up from nowhere. Long-term reconstruction. A humongous task,. All of India should be behind us. This makes a big difference"
Abhishek Bachchan Bats For Awareness On How Kerala Can Be HelpedRecounting his experiences of being stuck in the 2005 Mumbai and 2015 Chennai floods, actor Abhishek Bachchan at the NDTV-Tata Sky #IndiaForKerala telethon said that creating awareness on how Kerala can be helped was most important, so that people know how they can contribute.
Singer Shilpa Rao performs live on NDTV's 6-hour telethon as part of the #IndiaForKerala initiative
Actor Shruti Hassan talks about Social media as a tool for awareness about the Kerala floods. Says, "Everybody can contribute in their own little ways. People need everything from toothbrushes to sanitary napkins."
Priya Dutt Says Priority Must Be Given To EnvironmentCongress leader Priya Dutt expressed sadness over the grim situation in Kerala, saying that similar situations have been witnessed earlier in Mumbai and Bihar. At the NDTV-Tata Sky #IndiaForKerala telethon, Ms Dutt said that disaster like these have phases, which begin with rescue operations.
"Hold our hand": Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on NDTV telethon
- We are on mobilisation drive to collect funds for Chief Minister's distress fund. We urge people to lend their hand in rebuilding and reconstruction
- Floods have washed away roads etc. Even bridges have collapse. Electricity and telephone lines have been affected
- Losses amount to some 20,000 crores. The state of Kerala is facing the worst tragedy ever
- Kerala has showed confidence in the government. The path to recovery could be long and the state alone cannot bear the expenditure
- You too can make a difference by holding our hand
Art for a cause:
11-year-old Aarav Verma completes his artwork. He had began painting the piece on stage at the beginning of the telethon at 3 pm. He describes that the painting has two parts, one that shows a helping hand and the other part of the painting that shows an eye with a drop of tear that indicates that they need help.
The paining is to be bought for 3 lakh rupees by Faber Castell's Arti Aggarwal and the funds would be donated to help rebuild Kerala through NDTV's #IndiaForKerala initiative
Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director, Centre of Science And Environment
- The kind of extreme events we see in Kerala are going to repeat itself
- Even if Kerala had a pristine environment, this would have still happened. We will witness some part of the country undergoing extreme climate events
- After the 2015 floods in Jammu and Kashimr, people are still struggling. It may be worse for Kerala. We need to come together
Aditya Thackeray, President, Yuva Sena
This is a great thing you are doing. This is a national tragedy and we all need to stand together. From our parties, all our MPs, party members have donated a month's salary towards relief
Bharat Kaushal, Managing Director of Hitachi India says we have to commit to overall sustenance of the region. He makes a donation of 27.5 lakh through NDTV's #IndiaForKerala initiative
Singer Hariharan appeals to the audience to sing along with him and understand the message that "we are a family". Sings "Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai".
Singer Hariharan sings his hit song, "krishna nee begane baro"
Singer Hariharan takes the centre stage with his live performance on NDTV telethon.
"We saw a lot of unity": Actor Abhishek Bachchan on Kerala relief
- I have been stuck in two floods in Mumbai and in Chennai (in 2015). I was safe and dry but I can relate to those stuck in a disaster
- First, all of us need to be aware how we can help. Help create awareness
- We should be very proud of our armed forces, volunteers and the heroes. This goes to show that there is a lot of unity. I appeal to contribute in whatever way. Not just financial help, please go out and do whatever little you can do
- All of us in film industry have done, are doing whatever we can for Kerala
- I have shot a lot of films in the state of Kerala. My fraternity is empathetic to the tragedy and we are available to do all that we can
"We need to come together": Rajiv Kumar, NITI Aayog Chairman
- The first thing that comes to mind is we need to come together to help Kerala. I will convince my colleagues to do the same
- We have to pledge today to ensure what happened in Kerala does not happen again. We at NITI Aayog will be focusing our attention on it
- We have brought out a report on water issues. We are also trying to analyse the disasters
- We are trying to gather data from all the states to understand natural calamities
Volunteers at the main collection and distribution centre, Nishagandhi Theatre, Celebrate their contribution and efforts as they conclude relief operation.
Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur says "soon as we got to know the situation in Kerala, we released Rs 2 crore. Many precious lives were lost. We are considering what more we can do."
At Kerala's main collection and distribution centre, Nishagandhi Theatre, people, families, watch the NDTV telethon while Volunteers load relief material into school buses
Ajay Singh, Chairman, Spicejet makes a donation of 1 crore
"Its incredible that every single employees here at Spicejet donated for Kerala and we manage to donate Rs 1 crore. Whatever we do is less, but this is the our share of contribution."
Live performance by Kanika Kapoor on NDTV's telethon. "This is the time for our country to come together for Kerala," she says.
Ford India makes a 1.5 Crore donation through NDTV's #IndiaForKerala initiative
Kerala Floods: Nitin Gadkari's Pledge At NDTV's #IndiaForKerala TelethonUnion minister Nitin Gadkari today appealed to every citizen to pitch in to help Kerala get back on its feet after the devastating floods which, early estimates maintain, caused damages to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore. Much of the state's infrastructure facilities -- good roads, communication network and hospitals - will now have to be rebuilt, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
"Should learn from the disaster": Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha at NDTV telethon
- Unfortunately, this wont be the last time that we are facing such a situation. India is living in a climate change era.
- Today is not a day when we blame someone. But nothing will change if we do not learn from the disaster.
- If Kerala- that has an impressive GDP, has a literacy rate that sets the bar for other states - cannot fend for its needs, imagine how it would be for other states.
"Kerala shows resilience": KJ Alphons, Union Tourism Minister
- We have over 1 million people living in relief camps
- If people go back to their homes, they have no electricity, no utensils. But people of Kerala have demonstrated immense resilience. People working in relief camps have been working tirelessly
- A self help group of women working across villages helps Kerala bounce back. Hundreds of volunteers also offer help
- We need plenty of money to put things back in place
- An estimate of how much money we need is difficult to make. We will know for sure only after the water level resides completely
Over Rs 6 crore raised so far by NDTV's telethon
To donate, call 011-41577789 or click
here
YK Koo, MD And CEO of Hyundai donates 22 Lakh. "We want to help rebuild with renewed optimism and faith," he says.
"Animals in Kerala need our help", says activist Anand Siva
- We have been talking of damage to nature. But we forget animals our a part of nature. Kerala lacks infrastructure for animals
- We have crossed the 4 figure mark with regards to the number of animals we have rescued
- They need equal help. Animals went through a huge deal of pain. Some animals were treated on site, some picked up
"Schools have cracked and some kids have drowned. We have painted this. We are sad about what is happening in Kerala. Kids are not able to go to school. I hope they could get back to school soon," say children at Uday Foundation in Delhi
Uday Foundation, Delhi has collected 50,000 Kg of relief material for Kerala.
Singer Tochi Raina's message: "Nature is inside all of us. It's in our hands to bring about a change and revive the natural resources."
Musical performance by Singer Tochi Raina on NDTV's 6-hour telethon
Conrad Sangma Says Every Citizen Should Lend Kerala A Helping HandMeghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma thanked NDTV for organising the #IndiaForKerala telethon. Mr Sangma said that we should come together, and do all that could be done to help Kerala, as such a disaster can strike any other state. Speaking of north-east, Mr Sangma said that the region has experienced floods in the past.
Congress leader Priya Dutt
- We have not only seen this in Mumbai but also in Kosi, Bihar. We worked there for 3 months.
- The first thing you think of is survival. The second is getting resources together and the third phase is rebuilding.
- Development is great but not at the cost of lives. This is not just in Kerala. In a lot of other places, we are seeing the natural resources are being damaged for "development" This is not what people need.
Donate what you can to Kerala, urge celeb guests on NDTV's special 6-hour telethon
Singer Shaan performs live:
"Music is not enough, but we will try to do our bit," he says
PV Murthy, Executive VP, Human Resources, Taj Hotels
Since the time Kerala was hit by floods, we have been getting calls our hotels in the state and people have been asking us how they can offer to help. The entire country wants to contribute.
Artist Seema Kohli says, "the best possible way for us to contribute is by donating out work. We thank NDTV for making this possible"
Pradeep Bhavnani Donates Rs 5 Crore At #IndiaForKerala TelethonPradeep Bhavnani, a stockbroker, has contributed an amount of Rs 5 crore at the #IndiaForKerala telethon. Mr Bhavnani, who had earlier contributed a similar amount to Japan, said that irrespective of religion, caste and creed, the immediate priority should be to provide relief to Kerala. Mr Bhavnani said that the government should provide an immediate relief amount of Rs 2,600 crore to Kerala.
Rakhee Lalvani, VP, PR And Corp Comm, Taj bought the painting by artist Paresh Maity. The proceeds will be donated towards Kerala's flood relief
Paresh Maity and Jaishri Burman, a couple who have donated artworks worth Rs. 16 Lakh which will be sold on Mojarto and the proceeds of which will be used for to help those affected by the floods in Kerala. Artist Paresh Maity says, "even if can donate one rupee, let's do it."
Stockbroker Pradeep Bhavnani who made a 5 crore donation:
- Humanity has no religion. We have to focus on Kerala. We don't have to focus on the politics of it.
- The state has suffered a loss of Rs 20,000 to 30,000 crore. The centre needs to give immediate relief.
- Our immediate focus should be providing relief, nothing else, not the economics, not the politics.
Stockbroker Pradeep Bhavnani donates Rs 5 crore to NDTV's #IndiaForKerala telethon
Fisheries Minister Mercykutty Amma to NDTV:
Kerala fishermen have been heroic in efforts of rescue. We are proud of them.
At a camp in Thiruvananthapuram, the volunteers watch NDTV's telethon. The venue, Nishagandhi camp, will see popular singer KS Chitra hold a live performance to raise funds towards Kerala flood relief.
Stock broker Pradeep Bhavnani makes a 5 crore donation towards rebuilding Kerala through NDTV's #IndiaForKerala initiative
"We owe it to Kerala," says Javed Akhtar
Very common occurrence in our country, either we have floods or drought. It's very problematic that most rivers in our country are dead. We sort of wait for disaster to react to it. The response, the management has to improve.
We owe a lot to Kerala. It is perhaps the most educated state of our country.
Aarav Verma, a child artist painting a piece of art live on stage. The artwork would later be open for sale and the proceeds will go towards rebuilding villages in Kerala.
Singers Nitin Kumar And Renu Nagar Perform At The #IndiaForKerala TelethonIndian Idol contestants Nitin Kumar and Renu Nagar performed at the NDTV-Tata Sky #IndiaForKerala telethon. The duo sung a soulful melody Jeete Hain Chal, which encouraged all to keep up with the spirit of life and brave all odds to live life on a positive note. The song, addressed to all those suffering from the ravaging floods in Kerala, encouraged them to remain optimistic about life despite all the hardships endured. Donate now for Kerala flood relief.
Ankur Tewari - Singer, writer and director performs live on NDTV's telethon
Sound designer, Resul Pookutty describes incredible efforts to battle Kerala devastation:
- We have seen some houses with about 4 feet of muck inside
- That phase when over 2 lakh people were in flooded areas is over now. The next step is to clear muck.
- A policeman, a friend, took the initiative of cleaning 50 houses. We have to do this and much more.
Aditya Ghosh, Ex CEO, Indigo
This is going to be a long haul. If you can avoid having a cup of coffee and help, do that. It's not just about privileged people who can donate huge sums.
Rs. 18.9 Lakhs has been collected since 3 pm.
Here is how you can contribute:
Call 011-41577789 now to donate or click
here.
"Ek awaaz hai hum," vocal performance by Sonam Kalra at NDTV's telethon.
Singer Sonal Kalra's live performance on NDTV telethon
Anupam Banerjee, Spokesperson Air Force
- Like the Army and Navy spokesperson said, situation is much better.
- Our helicopters are on stand by. The medical teams are in worst affected areas.
- Yesterday, Indian Air Force contributed Rs 20 crore - contribution of one day salary of all Indian Air Force personnel
Colonel Amar Anand, Army Spokesperson
The situation has improved immensely. When we began on Aug 8 and 9th - we adopted a 4-pronged approach. Northern Karnataka was hit very hard by floods.
DK Sharma, Navy officer:
- Indian Navy has called off the operation Madad. This does not mean that rescue operations are halted. Medical team are on the ground.
- Lot of relief material coming from Andaman, other areas.
- Damage would not be much as the inundation was due to fresh water. People of Kerala have shown immense resilience.
Conrad Sangma, Meghalaya Chief Minister, says it is the responsibility of every citizen to pitch in. "No help is small. I think NDTV is doing a great thing by providing this platform."
Phone lines for donations are open.
15 Lakhs already collected. You can contribute too:
Call 011-41577789 now to donate or click
here:
Rs 25,000 to 30,000 Crore Required To Rebuild Kerala: Thomas IsaacKerala's Finance Minister Thomas Isaac said that the state is suffering from large-scale economic damage. Damage to crops, loss of income for labourers and tourism industry coming to a standstill has hurt the state's economy. Over Rs 3,000 crore is required to rebuild people's livelihoods in the state, Mr Isaac said.
Actress Manisha Koirala joins NDTV's 6-hour telethon.
- When I heard of this initiative by NDTV, I thought that I should come forward and be there
- I want to tell people of Kerala to hold on to their strength. There will be better days. I want everyone to support Kerala.
Transport and Highways minister, Nitin Gadkari:
- We have to give immediate orders for repairing national highways so that transportation and commutation is convenient
- It is a huge tragedy, but the whole country stands with the state at this time
- Climate change is the harsh reality
- We have decided to make cemented roads in areas where there is heavy rain so that damage is minimum
- There is drought and then there is rain. Just the way power grids are created, we will focus on water grids for judicious use of water resources
- To transfer water from one basin to another is another area of focus
- We will have to tie up with World Bank to cover capital cost
- I want to appeal to the citizens the tragedy is not for just in one state. We have to think about "Sabka sath, sabka vikas".
- The country needs to support the flood-hit state. Give all that you can to help Kerala stand on its feet again.
Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac on NDTV's 6-hour telethon:
Watch live - NDTV's 6-hour telethon to raise funds for Kerala http://ndtv.com/live
Call 011-41577789 to donate. The funds will be used to rehabilitate families in the worst-affected areas.
Javed Akhtar joins the panel:
- We can't even estimate the magnitude of disaster. Once the water recedes, there would be many health challenges.
- The least we can do is send out some money. But as citizens, we need to much more.
#IndiaForKerala | Right now on NDTV's 6-hour telethon:
Actor Rana Daggubati, actress Raveena Tandon, Finance minister of Kerala Thomas Isaac join us to discuss relief, rescue and the havoc after the devastating Kerala floods.