Kollam (Kerala): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had appealed to the children of Kerala to donate their Vishu Kaineettam (token money given us blessing) and Ramzan Zakath towards the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF), to help tide over the COVID crisis in the State while addressing the media on the eve of Vishu.
Abhiraj, a class 10th student has been chalking out plans to collect as much 'Kaineettam' as possible since then. On Tuesday, the day of Vishu, Abhiraj dressed up as ‘Krishna’, went door-to-door in the vicinity wishing Vishu and collecting 'Kaineettam'. A few of his friends also joined him.
On Vishu morning, many families were surprised to see ‘Krishna’ and his friends at their doors, especially during the COVID lockdown. However, the children were complying with the norms, by maintaining physical distance and using face masks.
All the families welcomed ‘Krishna’ with warmth and gave 'Vishu Kaineettam'. Many offered the children tea and sweets. From about 50 houses, the children collected Rs 5101.
They had decided to donate all the ‘Vishu Kaineettam’ to the CMDRF. Abhiraj then handed over the money to the Panchayath Ward member Ranjith and entrusted him to pass it on to the CMDRF.
Children’s goodness during such crises enables us to overcome any challenges, said Ranjith after receiving the contribution. Children gathering up, while also complying with the physical distancing rules, to collect Vishu Kaineettam to donate for COVID battle is an example of how we unite socially in the fight against COVID. We will survive this crisis too, Ranjith added.
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