SHILLONG: All India Malayalee Association (AIMA), Meghalaya Unit appealed to the general public and the members of the business community to rebuild Kerala through contributions following the devastating floods that have ravaged the southernmost state in the month of July and August 2018.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, president of AIMA, Meghalaya Unit, G. Pradeep Pillai said the organisation at the state level had already mobilised the funds for the initial relief of the flood victims.
“However, being a small community in Meghalaya, we appeal to the people to kindly be part of the Rebuild Kerala campaign by being a volunteer for contributing to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund account in various banks,” he said.
In view of the sufferings of people in the flood-hit Kerala, the AIMA said that the annual Onam celebration in the state had been cancelled while the money kept aside for Onam will be sent to help flood relief work.
The AIMA Meghalaya unit also submitted a letter to the Chief Minister on August 20 appealing for help, and expressed gratitude that the government of Meghalaya sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the relief purpose, in addition.
“We have also been informed that there would be huge requirement of skilled and unskilled manpower for rebuilding Kerala and we would work together for such an initiative,” Pillai said.
The local contacts for AIMA Quick Response Team (QRT) are Jose Lukose (9436394449), NK Kumar (9402149787) and TC Chacko (9436160257).
On the other hand, AIMA in association with the Rotary Sohra Marathon will be organising a funding initiative under the leadership of Nixon Joseph, president and COO of the SBI Foundation.
Pillai said the issue would be to spread the awareness of such an initiative along with the Rotary Marathon.