UAE children break piggy banks to aid Kerala flood victims

Abu Dhabi - Parents also came forward to offer financial assistance.

In a heartwarming gesture, Abu Dhabi-based children broke their piggy banks to assist those affected by floods in the Indian state of Kerala. These children are participating in a summer camp held by an Indian dance and music institute in Abu Dhabi City.
Following the crisis in Kerala, the institute members decided to contribute to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. They also held a special session showing videos of flood situation to the participating children.
What followed was an unexpected reaction from the little hearts.
Navarasa Institute of Dance and Music managing director Prakash Thampy said: "They were all happy at the start as they thought it was a video of water theme park but soon reality dawned on them. Their joyous faces turned sad. We told them about the grave situation in Kerala. And each little one came forward on their own to help. A boy, Aadhi Shankar Thrilok, even broke down and it made all of us emotional. We elders were surprised with such an overwhelming response."
And children contributed everything from their little savings. Sisters Pallavi and Pavithra broke their piggy banks.
"We wanted to present our aged grandparents in Kerala and parents here with Onam gifts. But nothing can be more important this festive season than bringing a little smile on faces of thousands of homeless people. So we are contributing all our savings," Pallavi, Grade 6 student of Sunrise English Private School Mussafah, said.
Abhijay Manoj was emotional and said: "We are shocked to see such massive loss of lives and destruction. Everyone should do their bit to rebuild the state. I will give all my small savings to this cause. We can also help," Manoj, Grade 5 student of American Community School of Abu Dhabi, said.
Parents also came forward to offer financial assistance. They were all proud of the kind gesture made by their children.
"We expats are concerned that our next generation is not respecting human values as they are always busy with electronic gadgets. But we all are extremely happy that a lot of kids really understood the value of relationships and showed their willingness to extend whatever possible help to those affected by floods," a parent said.
The contributions will be donated to Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

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