"Making a donation is the ultimate sign of solidarity. Actions speak louder than words.”

CATASTROPHE | CARNAGE | DISASTER
Using the above three words for the COVID situation in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state, would not be an exaggeration. According to official figures, every day over 350,000 people are contracting the virus in the country, and over 3,500 are losing their lives. However, it is estimated that the real numbers are way higher. The long queues outside hospitals, medical stores, oxygen suppliers, and even crematoriums and graveyards show that the country is going through its biggest crisis in history! While international aid is trickling in, it will take a long time to reach tier-2 and tier-3 cities and towns.

WHO ARE WE?
We are a group of friends from BITS Pilani, IIT Kanpur, IIM Kozhikode, and Ashoka University. We are native residents of Uttar Pradesh and work for organizations like Amazon, FloBiz, ILSS (Indian Leaders for Social Sector), JP Morgan, ShareChat, and Spotify. You can find our LinkedIn profiles in the signature below.

IDENTIFYING THE GAP
We realized that the main problem in our cities, primarily Jhansi, Kanpur, and Lucknow is the lack of oxygen.
A lot of people are not able to get aid when their SpO2 levels are falling in the range of 80-90%. If patients are not helped with oxygen and proper medication at this stage, their situation deteriorates, and they require hospitalization. This increases the burden on an overstretched and under-resourced public health system. While there is enough oxygen production in our cities, there are not sufficient oxygen cylinders. This shortage is hampering relief efforts.

RESEARCH ON SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF OXYGEN CYLINDERS
We did thorough research and narrowed it down to suppliers from Mumbai and Bangalore who are not charging exorbitant rates for cylinders and regulators. 

Our suppliers have quoted us the following prices-

-Oxygen Cylinder 10L- Rs. 10,000 per pc

We also identified organizations/institutions in our respective cities which need these cylinders and regulators desperately. The DM and City Magistrate of Jhansi is also helping us in this initiative.

NEXT STEPS
As first steps, we have placed orders for-
- 14 pcs of Oxygen Cylinders 10L 

-15 pcs for Oxygen Cylinders 47L
- 8 pcs of Oxygen Cylinders 68L
- 80 pcs of Oxygen Regulators

As we raise funds, we will keep on ordering more cylinders. 

In addition to this, we have received requests for BiPAP machines (non-invasive ventilators) and Oxygen Concentrators as well. We are looking for reliable vendors for the same.

We will be attaching the specifications, invoices, and pictures soon. These cylinders will be sent to Jhansi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. We are working with city administrations, local gurudwaras, and community organizations to deliver these products.

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE?
We have contributed our part and are crowdfunding for the remaining part of the order. The total fundraising goal is Rs. 35,00,000 and we aim to raise it by 9th May 2020. For this fundraiser, we are also accepting foreign donations.

HOW DO YOU BENEFIT?
-    You get to play a key role in India’s fight against Covid. Your donation will save many lives and prevent many families from falling into poverty and distress.
-    For Indian Donors - You get tax benefits for your donations. Your donation will be channelized through Srujna Charitable Trust which will issue an 80G receipt for the amount you contribute.

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

We need your support!

Please feel free to reach out to us for more details.

Siddharth Seth | Gautam PS | Pratyush Rawal | Rishabh Mehrotra | Ratikesh Mishra | Astha Dhayal | Abhinav Gupta