Help Rebuild Pushpavanam after Cyclone Gaja

Cyclone Gaja has immensely affected the delta region of Tamil Nadu, India robbing thousands of people of their beloved homes, trees and animals. Pushpavanam - my maternal village in the Nagapattinam district - is one among the many villages where the destruction has been severe.

With a population of about 6000 people, the village housed thousands of mango and coconut trees - nourished and grown over the last couple of decades - that served as the primary (in many cases, the ONLY) source of income and contributed to life’s savings for a large section of the population. Most families in the area live in thatched roofed homes which have been completely annihilated by the cyclone, and cattle stock raised by the people have been lost to the storm in a matter of few hours. The families are left with no shelter and no source of income for the future.

My cousins and I have so many fond memories of our summers in Pushpavanam amidst the pristine greenery. Those of you who know us well will know how much the village means to us and it is difficult for us to see it in its current desolate state. This is a sincere request to contribute whatever you can to help provide basic necessities to affected families and take a step towards rebuilding the village.

The funds will be directed through my family members in Pushpavanam, and will be used for the following :
1. Immediate needs : Food, groceries, blankets and other relief materials
2. Clearing up the trees and debris from the farms
3. Rebuilding thatched roof homes