In a remarkable act of compassion, 13-year-old Harini Sri from Tamil Nadu performed a three-hour Bharatnatyam dance to raise funds for those affected by the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The young dancer’s selfless effort not only showcased her dedication to the art but also her commitment to supporting victims of the disaster.
On Thursday, Harini met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and donated ₹15,000, which included her personal savings, to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). During her visit, she presented a recorded video of her Bharatnatyam performance to the Chief Minister, who expressed his gratitude and blessed her for her generous contribution.
The landslides, triggered by torrential rainfall on July 30, wreaked havoc in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas of Wayanad, flattening homes and trapping people under debris. The disaster has claimed 417 lives so far. In response to the calamity, several initiatives, including crowdfunding events in Tamil Nadu, have been organized to provide relief to the affected individuals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Wayanad on August 10, amidst calls from opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi to declare the landslides a national disaster. Such a declaration would facilitate the release of additional funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan has requested the central government to classify the landslides as a national disaster. The Union Home Ministry has appointed a nine-member committee to assess the situation and report on its severity. Vijayan expressed optimism about receiving central assistance and a comprehensive rehabilitation package, hoping that PM Modi will make a decisive call on the matter.
