Cricketer Nicholas Pooran says will donate part of his IPL salary to India's COVID-19 battle
New Delhi: Punjab Kings' West Indian batsman Nicholas Pooran has decided to donate a part of his IPL salary to help India fight the deadly resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scores of people across the country are dying in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic. India has reported over 3.86 lakh fresh COVID cases since Thursday.
Pooran urged Indians to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest.
"If you can get vaccinated please do, I will also do my part which is continue to pray for India but not only that, I would also like to donate a portion of my IPL salary towards this crisis," Pooran said in the video posted on Twitter.
The 25-year-old cricketer from Trinidad is aware of the toll the unprecedented health crisis is taking on India's overburdened medical infrastructure.
"To all my fans and supporters around the world and back home, I realise I am in a safe and privileged position here in India at the IPL.
"But it's also heartbreaking to be so close to such tragedy that's unfolding around us. For a country that has shown us so much love and support over the years, all I can do is join hands with my fellow players to help bring some awareness to this situation in India.
"The healthcare system is overwhelmed right now. The people can't get the attention they need because of the lack of oxygen supplies, I can't comprehend to start," Pooran said.
Pooran, who has played all the six matches for PBKS so far in IPL 2021, expressed his desire to play a part after his franchise too pledged support by providing oxygen concentrators.
"Although many other countries are still being affected by the pandemic, the situation in India right now is particularly severe. I will do my part to bring awareness and financial assistance to this dire situation," Pooran tweeted.
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Bearys Institute of Technology organizes Anti-Drug & Anti-Ragging Awareness Programme
Mangalore, 12 August 2025: The NSS Unit of Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT), Mangalore, organized an Anti-Drug and Anti-Ragging Awareness Programme on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, at Bearys Knowledge Campus (BKC), Mangalore. The programme was held under the theme “A Safe Mind. A Safe Campus. Say No to Ragging & Drugs,” aiming to spread awareness among students about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of maintaining a ragging-free campus environment.
The event began at 10:00 A.M. with an invocation, followed by the Master of Ceremony conducted by Dr. Mohamed Kafeel Delvi, NSS Programme Officer, BIT, who extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and participants.
The programme was presided over by Dr. S.I. Manjur Basha, Principal of BIT. In his Presidential Address, Dr. Basha delivered a powerful and motivating speech, stressing the collective responsibility of students, faculty, and the institution in building a safe, inclusive, and drug-free campus. He highlighted the role of education in shaping responsible citizens and urged students to uphold values such as integrity, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Puneet Gaonkar, PSI, Konaje Police Station, delivered an informative and impactful session. He spoke about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the serious consequences of ragging. He also explained the legal aspects and shared real-life cases to help students understand the gravity of these issues. He encouraged students to be vigilant and proactive in creating a safe campus.
Mr. Ramesh, from the Police Department, also addressed the gathering. His brief yet meaningful talk focused on the importance of discipline, legal awareness, and mutual respect among students.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Arch. Khalil Razzak Shaik, Principal, Bearys Enviro Architecture Design School (BEADS)
- Prof. Prithviraj M, Director, BIT Polytechnic
- Mustafa Khaleel, Anti-Ragging & Anti-Drug Coordinator
- Mr. Mohammed Gouse Asundi, Police Department
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Mohamed Kafeel Delvi, followed by the National Anthem.
