Bhubaneswar: Students’ organisations, youth groups and progressive forums across the state have come together to launch a fundraising and relief material collection campaign for people affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal. The campaign aims to mobilise financial assistance as well as essential supplies such as food and medicines.The groups are also planning awareness drives to encourage citizens to donate only through verified govt and authorised relief channels, amid concerns over misleading crowdfunding appeals on social media.The groups are also planning awareness drives to encourage citizens to donate only through verified govt and authorised relief channels, amid concerns over misleading crowdfunding appeals on social media.Organisers said that collection will be done at educational institutions and community spaces in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, among other places.Members of various student bodies said that the initiative was driven by the scale of devastation and the need for collective humanitarian support. “The images emerging from Nepal are heartbreaking. Thousands have lost homes and livelihoods. As students, we felt it was our responsibility to stand in solidarity with the victims and contribute whatever we can. We are appealing to campuses to join the effort,” said Swikruti Mishra, a student volunteer here.The organisers said volunteers would visit educational institutions and residential localities to spread awareness about the relief effort. Digital campaigns highlighting verified donation channels are also being planned.Members said a key focus of the drive would be creating awareness about safe donations. “Whenever such disasters occur, social media gets flooded with unverified payment links and fundraising requests. While many may be genuine, donors often have no way of confirming that. We are urging people to contribute only through verified govt agencies and authorised relief organisations,” said Satyajit Das, a member of a youth group.Madhumita Panda, a social activist involved in the drive, said that humanitarian assistance must reach the affected people without any delay.“The response of people has been encouraging. Beyond raising funds, we want to promote responsible giving and prevent people from falling prey to fraudulent appeals that often surface during disasters,” said Ritwik Senapati, another volunteer.
