Among other industries bearing the brunt of the recent COVID-19 wave, Bollywood is suffering just as much. Amid leading actors and production members battling the coronavirus, the industry understands the grim situation that overcasts the country - less than enough oxygen cylinders, low funds, depleting pharmaceutical supplies, etc.
While actors like Kartik Aryan, who recently recovered from COVID-19, is using the power of social media to create awareness among his fans, others like Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna are looking for ways to ease the building pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
Akshay, Twinkle donate 100 oxygen concentrators
On Tuesday, author Twinkle Khanna took to Instagram and announced that she along with her husband, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, are donating 100 oxygen concentrators to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
She posted the screengrab of her post on Twitter which said, "Wonderful news - Dr Drashnika Patel & Dr Govind Bankani of London Elite Health through Daivik Foundation are donating 120 oxygen concentrators and as @akshaykumar and I have managed to get our hands on 100 as well, we have a total of 220.Thank you for the leads. Let's all do our bit," tweeted Twinkle.
While the post’s caption on Instagram read, "I think for the last few weeks with members of my own family ill I have been in a bit of a hole. But I couldn't stay there for long. I implore all of you in your own way to do whatever you can so we can look back at this bleak moment and at least say it took the worst but it brought out the best in all of us. #ILookForSilverLinings."
Kirron Kher allocates money from MPLADS for ventilators in Chandigarh
Recently, veteran Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kirron Kher shared the news that she has allocated a sum of Rs 1 crore from Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for the purchase of ventilators for COVID-19 patients by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh.
With 3,23,144 new cases registered in a day in the city, the situation has everyone looking for solutions. At a time like this, Kher’s step towards bettering healthcare may come as a relief.
Kher, who is suffering from multiple myeloma, tweeted, "With hope and prayers in my heart, I am donating Rs. 1 crore from MPLADS to the PGI Chandigarh towards the immediate purchase of ventilators for COVID-19 patients. I stand solidly with #MyCity #MyChandigarh #MyPeople @MoHFW_INDIA @BJP4India”.
Her choice of words in the tweet, however, had a section of netizens objecting to the use of the word "donate" as they pointed out that she was not giving the money from her pocket.
"First of all, MPLADs Fund is a taxpayer's money, you can't donate this money but whatever you did is called "allocation", this funds is not your personal money so don't be a fooled and don't make others.," commented a user.
"Allocate" not "donate". If and when you spend money from your own riches, then you call it as "donate", not when you are giving taxpayers' money of MPLADS back to them," shared another user.
Ayushmann, Tahira contributed to Maharashtra CM's Relief Fund
Bollywood couple Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap contributed to Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund, to help those affected by the coronavirus. Ayushmann posted an Instagram note on Tuesday urging everyone to help the needy.
In his social media post, he wrote, “We have been in the eye of the storm since last year. This pandemic has broken our hearts, made us endure pain and suffering like never before, showed us how solidarity with one another can make us handle this humanitarian crisis.”
Ayushmann further added, "Today, again, this pandemic asks us how to show fortitude, resilience and mutual support. People across India have stepped forward to do as much as possible for each other and Tahira and I thank each and every individual who has inspired us to do more."
"We have been constantly doing our bit to help as many as possible and have now contributed to Maharashtra Chief Minister's relief Fund in this hour of need."
"People need as much help as possible and we can all look to do our bit as we deem fit," the actor concluded.
