Bollywood Star Akshay Kumar Donates Rs 25 Cr to COVID-19 Relief Fund

Mumbai, March 28, 2020:

Joining the fight against the coronavirus or COVID-19 that has now infected over 6 lakh people across the world, Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar has pledged a sum of Rs 25 crores towards the Indian Minister's 'PM Cares' account to fight the virus.

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Kumar, announcing his donation of the substantial sum via a tweet, wrote, "This is that time when all that matters is the lives of our people. And we need to do anything and everything it takes. I pledge to contribute Rs 25 crores from my savings to Narendra Modi ji’s PM-CARES Fund. Let’s save lives, Jaan hai toh jahaan hai."

Earlier, the Bollywood star has also used Twitter to inform people about the importance of 'social distancing' that has been time and again stressed upon by the health experts. Bollywood, it may be mentioned, has been taking keen interest in creating awareness among the people, and a recent video made by Rohit Shetty sees the who's who of tinseltown enlighten the people about measures against corona.

It may be mentioned here that earlier today, the Prime Minister had opened an account in a bid to receive donations to fight the disease. Announcing the creation of the account through a tweet, Modi invited all and sundry to donate money so that the Government can continue its fight against the virus. A tweet sent out from the PM's official account read "The PM-CARES Fund accepts micro-donations too. It will strengthen disaster management capacities and encourage research on protecting citizens. Let us leave no stone unturned to make India healthier and more prosperous for our future generations." Modi has also stated that this Fund will also cater to similar distressing situations, if they occur in the times ahead.

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Earlier today, the Tata Trusts had also announced a donation of Rs 500 crores to fight the virus. Tata trusts, taking cognizance of the immense threat faced by the world community in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus or COVID-19, has pledged a sum of Rs 500 crores to aid in India’s fight. “The current situation in India and across the world is of grave concern and needs immediate action. The Tata Trusts and the Tata group companies have in the last risen to the needs of the nation. At this moment, the need of the hour is greater than any other time”, the group wrote in a statement that was undersigned by Chairman Ratan Tata himself.

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Now, the Tata Trusts has pledged a sum of Rs 500 crores for personal protective equipment for the medical personnel on the frontlines, respiratory systems for treating increasing cases, testing kits to increase per capita testing, modular treatment for infected patients, and knowledge management and training of health workers and the public.

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases across the globe continue to skyrocket. India has so far recorded 933 positive cases of the virus. 451,638 people are said to be actively suffering because of the virus. 24,015(or 5% of the active cases) are said to be serious/critical.

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