Surat: A group of around 30 US-based Gujaratis has raised funds to support people affected by the recent floods in Navsari, helping provide school uniforms, household essentials and educational materials through volunteers working on the ground.The floods prompted several non-resident Indians (NRIs) to step forward with relief efforts for affected families in Navsari. Around 30 people based in the US contributed funds to help those who suffered losses during the disaster, with relief work being coordinated by local contacts.Dipak Naik (63), who has lived in Orlando, US, for 37 years, said the scale of devastation in Navsari moved him to act.“I could see that the amount of rain and subsequent damage was huge this time. I thought of providing help with basic needs to the poor can get life back on track. This is boost their morale, to show them that society and people are with them. We thought of providing things that the govt does not. I appealed to my friends and around 30 came forward and donated. I will also contact my friends in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and England for donations.”US-based businessman Jayesh Patel (58), along with his partner Ajay Patel, also joined the initiative. Jayesh Patel, who is from Pij in Kheda district and was brought up in Vadodara, said the effort was a small contribution towards helping those who had suffered losses.“I feel sorry for the many poor people who lost everything. Our donation drive is for every person irrespective of caste, religion or region. My partner Ajay Patel, who is from Vaso, also donated immediately after my request.”The fundraising effort has also drawn support from younger members of the Gujarati diaspora. Many used translation tools to follow news reports about the floods and understand the situation in affected areas.Ansh Bhakta, 18, a student from New York who has launched a startup, also contributed to the initiative.“Seeing the impact of floods on families of my home state, especially children whose lives were disrupted, I got disturbed and was inspired to do a bit for them. I believe when you are in position to make difference, you should do it,” Bhakta said.Mukesh Naik, a retired banker from Surat, has been entrusted with managing part of the donations and ensuring assistance reaches beneficiaries.“We identified 200 poor students whose uniforms were ruined or lost in the floods. We called a tailor directly to take measurements and ordered uniforms. We have donated 55 bed kits, 120 kitchen sets, 1,700 notebooks, 10 benches for students and affected people. Our donation drive is under way and we are identifying other people in need,” Naik said.
