Udupi: Social worker Ravi Katapadi, known for raising funds for the medical treatment of underprivileged and critically ill children by wearing elaborate costumes during Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, will appear as a mythical mermaid during the Vitla Pindi festivities on Sept 4 and 5.Over the past decade, Ravi and his team, Ravi Friends Katapadi, have raised Rs 1.85 crore and funded the treatment of 204 children. This year, the group hopes to collect Rs 15 lakh during the two-day event, bringing its total fundraising tally to Rs 2 crore.
The 43-year-old has become a popular attraction for his larger-than-life costumes inspired by monsters, aliens and Hollywood characters. However, Ravi said this year’s mermaid costume would be his final disguise for the annual charity initiative.“Because of the skin problems caused by the chemicals, I have been facing some health issues. I am taking a break for a while, but my social work will not stop. We have a circle of friends, and even without costumes, we can raise funds through other means. If people approach us for help, I will definitely continue to support them,” he said.
According to Ravi, around Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 has already been spent on the mermaid costume, with a few remaining materials yet to be purchased. The total cost is expected to touch Rs 1 lakh.“Our artists have been working on the costume for a month. When the makeup and other work begin, more people will join the effort,” he said.To encourage contributions, the team has widely circulated its UPI QR code. “If people support us, it would be wonderful to achieve that target,” he said
