The toll from the Oct 8, South Asian earthquake in Pakistan has risen to more than 73,000 dead and 69,000 seriously injured, according to official sources.
Responding to the devastating Earthquake in Pakistan,
the South Asian community has risen to the occasion to give aid to the
people affected by this tragedy. Shahid Ahmed Khan who works at
Novartis is actively involved with the relief effort and has been
traveling around the country to energize and mobilize various
communities. He is a Trustee on the Democratic Senatorial Congressional
Committee and a consultant in International Development. Khan advices
companies on issues of broad based development in the developing
nations, poverty alleviation, micro-credit, basic health and education
Khan gave Lokvani an update of the various efforts and measures taken to help those affected in Pakistan.
On the efforts at Fundraising:
At
a recent fundraiser we raised around $100,000 with the help of IMANE,
PAGB and other local Pakistani organizations. Similar fundraisers have
been organized in New York and New Jersey. The calamity is so enormous that no matter what you do, it will never be enough.
Immediate needs for the relief effort:
At
the basic level blankets, tents, antibiotics and coats. At the second
level we hope to raise money to strengthen and rebuild the
infrastructure which will be the biggest challenge. What we are trying
to do is to ask chapters of the local organizations to own a small part
of the land in the affected areas and take the responsibility of
rebuilding it entirely.
Response of the South Asian Community
The
response has been overwhelming and caring. Doctors, social workers,
students, restaurants and many others have responded and pitched in
their efforts. As I said earlier all this aid will still not suffice so
we have to continuously make an effort.
On going fundraising efforts for the Earthquake
On November 10th,
we are organizing a telethon where Senator Kennedy will record a live
video message on WB 56 asking for citizens to come forward and help.
John Kerry will do the same from Washington DC.
We need the mainstream community to be also aware of this tragedy and
come forward and help. So we are asking people to donate via brand name
organizations like ‘Save the Children’ who will match every dollar with
2 dollars.
Importance of being political active and involved
I
guess South Asians are more active now because in earlier years, they
were busy establishing themselves. Now that they are 10 percent of the
top layer of this society, they are now looking at what do, and I
believe politics is the only way to make a difference. It can help to
make a policy change, intervene and get your voices heard.
Ways to help:
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