NRI From Gujarat Raises 5 Crores For Pulwama Victims Families 

The Pulwama terror attack claimed over 45 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers' lives on February 14. Post the attack, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) took responsibility for the suicide bombing and even released a video of the bomber, Adil Ahmed Dar, which had been recorded prior to the terror attack. The Indian Armed Forces avenged the death of the jawans by killing the mastermind behind this attack Kamran alias Ghazi Abdul Rasheed.

In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the entire nation stood in unity for the soldiers' families with notable personalities extending their support in various forms. In different ways, the public have come forward offer donations and also pledged to take care of the kids’ education. In a remarkable effort, a 26-year-old NRI launched his own fundraiser page on Facebook and managed to raise over Rs 5 crores to support the CRPF troopers and their families.

Viveik Patel, who originally hails from Vadodara, Gujarat currently resides in Virginia, US. With an initial goal of USD 5,00,000, he began the fundraiser on Facebook on February 14, the day of the attack.

The Fundraising initiative garnered a quarter million dollars or USD 2,52,000 within 12 hours and surpassed its goal in four days. Currently, the donations have amounted to USD 8,04,747 which is Rs 5.75 crore (approx).

With Facebook fundraising not available in India, donations can be made only in the US currency and the NRIs can opt for donations via fundraisers as Bharat Ke Veer portal doesn't accept international cards.

With the donations increasing, the people wondered as to how the funds would be transferred. However, Viveik Patel clarified on Facebook that he contacted the Indian Embassy and planned to connect with the Prime Minister's Office in Delhi in this regard. As per a News18 report, the Consul-General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty confirmed the funds collected by the Fundraiser initiative and that efforts were being made to securely transfer the funds to India.

Also Read: Pulwama Attack: Need To Win Hearts And Minds