The Department of Commerce at Hans Raj College, Delhi College of Arts & Commerce and St. Stephen’s College on behalf of ‘Delhi University Students’ for J&K Flood Relief’ and in collaboration with ‘Kashmir Foundation for Social Change’ organized a donation drive in Connaught Place on September 13th and 14th, 2014.
The goal of the drive was to spread awareness about the natural calamity that struck the valley last week and to muster as much support possible for the people of Kashmir who are in distress and sudden need for help. Collectively the colleges managed to get 15000 kgs of relief within two days including donations in cash as well as kind like medicines, packaged food, drinking water, sanitary napkins, blankets and clothes.
Day 1: The donation drill for J&K begins
The three colleges set up their base donation camps in different blocks at Connaught Place. A few volunteers kept continuously moving around popular CP hubs and metro station exit gates to talk to people and to bring them to donate for the noble cause. The volunteers also asked the donors to write messages for the victims.
“We clicked pictures of the donors with hoardings and uploaded them on our Facebook page, not only did that give the donor a sense of pride, but it increased awareness among the people about the drive. It also encouraged many people to volunteer and donate.” said, Anupam Taneja, a volunteer from DCAC.
Day 2: Donation Drive combines with Raahgiri
Day 2 at collection drive started at 6:30 in the morning with volunteers asking for donations at Raahgiri, a Sunday concept at CP to promote health, art and fitness. Volunteers used music to attract the attention of the fitness freaks of Delhi.
Volunteers took the round outside the Central Park and numerous adjoining areas in search for donors. “We just hope that the donation reaches the right place. This initiative by Delhi University Students is a great step to help those in need in Kashmir”, said Kanta Rani, a donor of Rs. 5000/-.
Not only the participants of Raahgiri but the shopkeepers and showroom owners around the base camps of volunteers immensely supported the cause. The public from all age groups came forward to support the cause and pray for the well being and restoration of normalcy in the valley. “For more than ten days, I haven’t spoken to my family in J&K. I do not know if they are dead or alive. Allah bless you all for coming forward and helping them”, says Abdul Gafar who had come to Delhi a month ago.
Delivery/Dispatch of the aid collected so far by the Delhi University Students.
“This is the happiest feeling. Delhi came forward for the cause. Everyone helped by doing their bit in saving people who could have died of hunger or thirst, people who needed medical help and had lost all hope.” said, Mahvish Hamid, one of the main organizers for the drive.
The donation drive was supported by numerous arts groups like the jammers group ‘Djembefola United’, the street play society of DCAC, Leher and the musicians group of ‘Intelligent Freaks’ which performed to raise awareness about the plight of people in Delhi and to motivate people to donate for the cause.
Do you want to contribute?
Delhi University Students for J&K Flood Relief is organizing a similar collection drive the coming weekend i.e. September 21st and 22nd, 2014 at Connaught Place. All those who want to contribute or volunteer please come forward.
For queries contact:
Mahvish Hamid (Hans Raj): 9650770171
Mahrukh Hamid (DCAC) : 9810469936
To donate online click here.
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