That the internet is a powerful tool and medium is once again vindicated. A young techie living in the US turned out to be a good samaritan by coming to the rescue of the family of a deceased toddy-tapper here.
Avinash Puli, a robotic engineer in Indianapolis, US, was moved by the photograph on the internet that showed a toddy-tapper Rampelli Sambaiah (42), of Gudur mandal of Mahabubabad district who died of heart attack on the palm tree and his body dangling from the tree on June 7. He immediately called up his father Puli Sarangapani, a retired college lecturer, asking him to visit the family and give them ₹10,000. Later, he created an internet page to mobilise more money for the family through crowd funding. Within 10 days, he collected $1,000, which was handed over to the family here on Friday through Seputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Sarangapani said the toddy-tapper’s family did not get the usual ex gratia of ₹5 lakh as the palm tree on which the tapper died was in the agency area where nobody except tribals could get benefits under government schemes.
“As many as four tappers died while tapping toddy on palm trees in erstwhile Warangal district since June first week. We requested the State government to pay ex gratia to the families without delay,” Mr. Sarangapani said.
Gouda Officials and Professionals Association (GOPA) district president Donthu Ramesh said they had requested the Deputy CM to extend the benefit to the deceased Rampelli Sambaiah and help his son and daughter in securing a job.
Meanwhile, Mr. Puli thanked his friends and relatives for their quick response.
Mobilising help
‘“I had planned to mobilise $10,000 but decided to raise $1,000 as a first initiative. I am thankful to those who have contributed and will continue my page to involve those ready to help others,” he added.
