UDAIPUR: As rain-battered Kerala faces a herculean task of rehabilitation, Malayali families and associations in Rajasthan , have stepped ahead to contribute their bit to help their brethren. Localities too, are collecting funds and relief material for the victims, that is being received at the railway station to be transported to Kerala.The Kerala Samajam has suspended Onam celebration this year, considering the calamity that has hit their people back in the state. Meanwhile, many people and families have left for Kerala, whose families and relatives’ homes have been worst-hit by the flood.Thomas Idicula, a retired official from the labour department and a resident of Udaipur, happened to be at his native village in Kerala during the flood. Idicula, who returned to Udaipur on Monday, told TOI, “This trip will remain an unforgettable one, for the rest of my life. Our area was hit with the flood and we were shifted to a relief camp. We were badly-hit by the Mahapralayam but fortunately, came out safely. The memories will haunt me like a nightmare.”Dinu Chandran, an employee with a private company, too left for Kerala as his wife’s home was badly affected by the deluge. “Many people have gone to enquire about the well being of their loved ones back home. It’s a great loss to our state and when millions are suffering, how could we celebrate Onam festival which is falling on the 25th of this month. The celebration has been postponed not only in Udaipur, but many other places, as we were informed,” T N Chellappan, a senior member of the Kerala Samajam, Udaipur, told TOI.The community has initiated a campaign to collect funds. They are approaching industrialists, trade unions, corporate houses and businessmen for the funds which would be contributed to the chief minister’s relief fund. Meanwhile, the members of the Indian Red Cross Society, Udaipur chapter, donated five lakh rupees for the noble cause. “We have appealed to the masses and the classes to step ahead for the noble cause, and to donate as per their ability. Relief materials are being received at the railway station, which would be sent free-of-cost to Kerala cities,” collector Bishnu Charan Mallick said.

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