Last month on August 26, ‘The Covai Post’ reported the news of S. Krishnan, a 19-year-old Government Arts College student who lost his limbs while trying to board a passenger train to Coimbatore from Mettupalayam. An appeal was made for monetary help and the contact information of the boy’s mother was shared.

It is overwhelming to see a couple of people who made use of this platform to collect funds for the boy’s treatment and his family. One such person is Jaikumar M., Company Commander of Coimbatore District Home Guards. “I circulated the link of the story on Whatsapp groups and I made an appeal to known persons to contribute in their capacity,” Jaikumar said.

The Chairman of Mettupalayam Municipality D Sathees Kumar was also instrumental in mobilizing funds for the train accident victim. He forwarded voice appeals on What’s app groups and helped in raising funds for the family.

Another person who also spread the news of Krishnan is Advocate Rahman who is also from Mettupalayam. “I was very moved by what that boy and his family were going through. This motivated me to help them. I have collected funds and handed them over to the boy’s father,” Rahman says.

So far a total amount of Rs. 58,150 has been given to Krishnan’s family. A resident of Mettupalayam, the family has temporarily shifted to Coimbatore as they are finding it difficult to travel to Coimbatore for the boy’s follow-up treatment. Krishnan has been discharged from the private hospital where he was undergoing treatment. However, he has to visit the hospital for regular follow-up treatment.

The family has taken a small place on lease in Saibaba Colony. Depending on Krishnan’s progress and his response to treatment, doctors in the private hospital will decide in about six months time about fitting artificial limbs.

Philanthropy and prayers from all sides have helped Krishnan. “I wish things get back to normal for the boy and his family. I hope my little contribution of rupees Rs. 14,800 helps Krishnan,“ Suresh, Proprietor, Mahalakshmi Ceramics, said. Another major contribution of over Rs. 30,000 came from Rahman and his team. A few students also made their contributions.A fellow traveler of Rahman and an employee of a private club in the city, Vidhya also mobilized Rs 20,000 for the boy. Some kind donors who did not wish to be named also contributed in cash.

Area Commander of Coimbatore District Balaji Raju instilled confidence in the boy and assured him that the organisation would take efforts to get him a job so that he could sustain his livelihood.

Every small contribution in cash or kind means a lot to Krishnan and his family. Those wanting to contribute can contact his mother Devaki S. at 99420-46485.