Chennai: Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday made a passionate plea through a video message urging people to contribute liberally towards the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of Cyclone Gaja, which hit the delta districts of Tamil Nadu on November 16, causing over 45 deaths and rendering lakhs of people homeless, besides wreaking havoc for farmers.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has tweeted Amitabh's video along with a 'Thank you Amitji' note.
Amitabh in his video has detailed the massive destruction caused by Gaja-3.7 lakh people rendered homeless, 3.4 houses destroyed and about 80 per cent of coconut trees destroyed in the delta districts hit by the cyclone-and reminded the viewers that this "is just an estimation" while the actual loss could be even greater. "Agriculture and livelihood have been crippled in a most fertile region; the damage is beyond imagination," he said.
While the Central and State Governments have done much towards helping the Gaja victims, contributions from volunteering welfare organisations and socially-conscious people would go a long way in helping the affected people - our people", said Amitabh, adding, "the spirit of one nation one people is cardinal to the prosperity and unity of India as a nation".
"Many of us are unaware of the damage caused by Cyclone Gaja and the suffering of the people of Tamil Nadu. But this is the time to bring out the spirit of brotherhood. Be the beacon of humanity and come forward to help our own," Amitabh said, adding that Kamal Haasan and his Makkal Needi Maiam have been working at ground. "So ladies and gentlemen, lend your support."
Responding, Kamal Haasan tweeted, "Thank you Amit ji. You have clearly explained the devastation the Gaja Cyclone has wrecked in Thamizh Nadu. It is always people like you who have been the thread which stitches our country together in spite of all its diversity."
