A group of volunteers from Hyderabad is getting ready to enable Nepal earthquake victims rebuild their lives in a unique way.
The group, led by Veerender Goud, son of Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) leader Devender Goud, will be leaving for Baramchi village in central Nepal on 11 May to assist the villagers rebuild their houses without the stress and need for cooking and feeding their families.
The volunteers will be cooking food for approximately 1,500 to 2,000 villagers twice everyday so that the villagers can focus on rehabilitation efforts. The group includes Veerender's brother Vijayendar Goud, Arvind Cheela and at least 10 others, of which five are cooks.
"The whole intention of going there and cooking and serving food is that locals don't have to worry about food... They can eat and go and focus on rebuilding their homes, and not think about where their next meal is coming from," Deccan Chronicle quoted Veerender as saying.
Another member of the team, Aditya Konka, explained the motivation behind the unique idea. He said that while interacting with volunteers working in Nepal, they realised the victims desperately needed perishable goods.
"There are many organizations focusing on supplying materials like, tents and blankets. But there is dire shortage for perishable goods. So, we want to focus on providing food to people, thus enabling them to focus on rebuilding the country," Veerendra Goud's website said.
They plan to buy basic food items – rice, dal, salt, onions, spices and vegetables – so that they can serve the victims for 10 days, amounting to 30,000 meals. To make it a success, they are hoping to raise ₹20 lakh through donations.
The funds will be utilised to purchase the ingredients required and also for travelling to Nepal via Uttar Pradesh. After spending 10 days in Nepal, the team will approach a charitable organisation that would be willing to take over their mission from the 11th day.
The team needs help to assist Nepal victims
Though the team has around 12 people, they still need volunteers who can help them in their cause. Besides, they also financial assistance. They have requested people to contribute for their mission either physically or financially.
Those who want to donate can send their contributions to Devendra Foundation Axis Bank Ltd, A/C NO.911010004211389. IFSC: UTIB0000008, or contact Vijay kumar on +91-9010458111.
