LSR alumnae in London to raise funds for Kashmir flood victims
In association with British Red Cross, a group of alumna from the London Chapter of Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) is organising an event at a venue near Trafalgar Square in London to raise funds for the flood-affected communities of Jammu and Kashmir.
The story-telling event at historic Crypt in London’s St. Martins in the Fields near Trafalgar Square will bring together some of the best writers and Kashmiri stories to not only raise spirits but to raise target of £5,000 for those affected.
Dr. Seema Anand, (also a LSR Alumna) will retell Khushwant Singh’s tales on the Underbelly of Interfaith in true Sardar style – brilliantly funny, acerbically honest and a little bit naughty. Compelling stories, powerful poetry from the valley and hearty conversations will bring to life the heart of Jammu and Kashmir to London.
“The women of LSR who have a shared ethos of social leadership decided they wanted to do something practical to help. They are committed to create a sustained fundraising initiative for Kashmir in collaboration with the British Red Cross” said Richa Grover, who is one of the five organisers of this upcoming event.
“The fundraiser event is a starting point to create awareness about the issue. We have set up a six month live online donation link with British Red Cross so that we are able to provide continued support and make a real difference”, explains Dr. Neelam Raina, Class of 1998 and Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University. She and some of the other women in the group are from Jammu and Kashmir and have friends and families who have been affected by the floods, and so they have a very direct and personal understanding of the real impact of this disaster.
The event organisers say, “We are separated by more than just the miles that stretch between us. To some of us, Kashmir remains the winter wonderland that we have heard our parents or grandparents romanticise in tales of their youthful ‘honeymoons’. To the rest, it is still their homeland, in war and peace, on either side of disputed borders; the people of Jammu and Kashmir nurture their beloved paradise.”
The region of Jammu and Kashmir have been devastated by recent floods with homes, schools and whole villages destroyed. Aid agencies have performed search and rescue missions to save people stranded by the floodwaters. The courage of the people of this North Indian State is inspiring in the face of such devastation and right now the real work of rebuilding lives and homes begins.
For tickets and details :
Neelam Raina on Neelam.Raina@
or Richa Grover- grovericha@gmail.com
To buy tickets or donate for the cause follow the link on the British Red Cross page
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.