Namaste Friends:

It is difficult for me to ask for donations to help with the basic needs of people in my village and for my family.  However, on March 24, we were given 4 hours to return to our homes and stay there to reduce the spread of Covid-19 virus, and even a small donation would provide for our basic needs at this time.
I am a photography fixer who works throughout India, based in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.  I work mainly with photographers, professional and amateur.  Tourists have cancelled their flights to India and I returned to my village from Varanasi, where I am based.  Others, who work as laborers, returned to the village, and I see their families are suffering lack of basic needs.  My income from work with photographers and tourists is the primary support for my family. The villagers' source of money is working as laborers in cities and on construction projects. We are not secure in our food supply, the bazaars are becoming empty of food.  No one can earn money now.   Even when the “lock-down” is lifted, it will take a long time for tourism to recover.  I request your help to save the adults and children in my village, including my family.  I would personally distribute any donations you send me.  Please help by donating and/or sharing this request with your friends and family.

With the money I receive from this campaign, I would purchase rice and dal, soap and masks, if available.  The food I would purchase would be "normal quality" - not the best - to make the money go farther.  I could do this for about 25 families with 2 lakh rupees (about $2629 USD) per month.  I would personally purchase and distribute the food and personal items to improve their chances of survival of the "lock-down" and COVID-19.

You can donate by using this site, which has waived fees for people like me whose income is dependent on tourism, impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown.

My village, my family and I thank you for your help!