Milaap Enables Unity Against Covid-19 to Stay Safe Through the Pandemic

Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has infected more than 3.75 lakh people worldwide, killing more than 16,300. In India alone, it has so far caused 10 deaths and infected at least 500 people as of 25th March 2020. In the past week, several states across India have put safety first by closing down schools, colleges, malls, theatres, restaurants, shops and non-essential workplaces, recommending working from home where possible. The nation is now under a lockdown for 21 days.

However, there are many people in our society like doctors, nurses, delivery staff, conservancy workers (garbage/waste segregators) and field volunteers, among others, still working tirelessly to ensure our societal needs are met: often at the risk of their personal safety.  Moreover, with the increasing number of people being tested positive worldwide, it’s also important to remember that not everyone can remain in quarantine without their lives being completely upturned. The financial impact of the pandemic, especially on blue-collar workers and families that survive on a daily wage, is far reaching.

This Sunday, on March 22 2020, Milaap, South Asia’s largest crowdfunding platform, opened itself up for fundraisers around Covid-19. In an attempt to help those whose lives have been worst affected by the pandemic, a separate page, milaap.org/covid19 has been launched. The causes range from providing essentials to nearby slums in bigger cities to equipping doctors/their social initiatives with protective gear, and even ventilators for smaller hospitals without the facility. While renowned people like Luis Miranda and Venkat Iyer have set up fundraisers on one hand, there are many regular individuals who are raising funds to support particular families in distress around them. In the spirit of global solidarity, Milaap has waived off their platform fee completely for all fundraisers under this cause.

Mayukh Choudhury, CEO and co-founder of Milaap said, “This crowdfunding project is to highlight citizen initiatives across India to mitigate the economic crisis faced by vulnerable families, as well as support those who are in the frontlines, with the monetary resources they deserve. Our larger objective is to inspire each one of us to look within our circles, our neighborhoods, and support the vulnerable in this hour of need. While it might take a while to get back to normalcy, even small acts of kindness can make this easier.”

“We have always stood by communities during natural calamities and disasters. This is no different. In this digital era, generosity can flow unhinged even when physical infrastructure crumbles. Many of our donors have reached out to us for verified, credible avenues to express their support for citizen-led fundraising initiatives. Within 2 days, nearly 2000 donors have supported fundraisers under the cause and the number is rising as we speak. Since the only way to fight a crisis at this scale is to do it together, Milaap is doing it’s best so that people can help each other. On our end, we are offering the platform at a 0% fee so that people in need can get all the help coming their way.” he added.

Milaap, a crowdfunding platform primarily for personal medical causes has so far raised nearly 10 Crores from 40,000+ donors for such emergency causes and disaster relief, including the floods in Chennai, Assam and Kerala. While the platform can only extend support for causes in India, fundraisers can accept help from anywhere across the world.

There are 3 ways to participate

Make a donation to any of the campaigns listed at milaap.org/covid19
Start your own fundraiser for someone who’s been affected by the crisis. It could be an individual (eg your household help, an office colleague) or a neighborhood initiative (eg local restaurant, school meals program).  Rally your friends, neighbors and colleagues to contribute. Fundraising is free - there are NO charges on donations received.

Get inspired and do it in your circle (family/neighbors) supporting a vulnerable family directly.

Government of Karnataka Launches New COVID-19 Helpline Platform on WhatsApp

The Government of Karnataka has launched a dedicated State Covid Helpline - +91 8750971717 on WhatsApp. This service will be free-to-use and will act as a central source for accurate, trustworthy and up-to-date information about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

To use the free ‘GoK Corona Helpdesk’ on WhatsApp, simply save the number +91 8750971717 in your phone contacts and then text the word ‘Hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started. This service will be available both in English and Kannada.

The ‘GoK Corona Helpdesk’ is an automated ‘chatbot’ service which will allow citizens to get verified answers to questions about Coronavirus from the Government of Karnataka within 24 hours. To begin with, the service will provide information on topics such as Coronavirus prevention and symptoms, details on common myths, how users can contribute, latest COVID-19 updates and media alerts with more options to be included in the future.

Shri B. S. Yediyurappa, Chief Minister of Karnataka, added, “As we continue to practise physical distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19, we must also ensure that our facts on the pandemic are verified. We have partnered with WhatsApp, to create a dedicated helpline that will ensure access to official updates and documented information.”

"Access to credible sources of information is critical to battling Coronavirus and is our top priority. We are pleased to have this opportunity to work with the Government of Karnataka on this initiative. We encourage users to depend on verified sources for any information during this pandemic,” added Abhijit Bose, Head of India for WhatsApp.

In addition to the MyGov central helpline, similar services have been introduced in several states of India to empower users to find credible information both in English and their specific regional language. Users can now reach Health Ministries of Delhi (+91 88000 07722), Gujarat (+91 74330 00104), Kerala (+91 90722 20183), Maharashtra (+912026127394), Andhra Pradesh (+91 829710410) and Telangana (+919000658658) on WhatsApp with more states to launch in the coming days. Users can reach out to the fact-checking community by visiting our recently launched WhatsApp Coronavirus Information hub whatsapp.com/coronavirus.

PM Modi Extend's the Lockdown: Agri Tech to Solve Supply Chain Woes

The covid-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns are grounding industries around the world, and it is perhaps the biggest challenge in a generation for the agriculture sector in India. With PM Modi addressing the nation today morning, one of the major key takeaways was how the government is working at its best to support the farmers as it is the harvest time for rabi crops and ensuring smooth functionality of the supply chain.

Mr. Amith Agarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Agribazaar says " I wish to congratulate our Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modiji in ensuring that India's farm sector faces minimum disruption during India's fight against COVID19. Bringing agricultural activity under essential services during the lockdown will ensure that farmers can sell their produce in the best possible manner. By encouraging e-NAM procurement, Modiji has given a fillip to agritech in India's agriculture. Electronic procurement will ensure the farmer's safety and health due to social distancing and also avoid overcrowding in the physical mandis.At agribazaar, we are committed to the government's effort to procure the last available grain of the Indian farmer. I would appeal to local authorities to ensure logistics and on-ground support to our vehicles and staff. Together we will fight #Covid19 and at the same time, not let India's agricultural produce go waste."

In the wake of the current situation AgriBazaar,India’s largest agri-tech marketplace is working closely with farmers, state governments and procurement agencies to allow  trade from the safety of their homes. As a full-stack agritech player, AgriBazaar has replicated the physical mandi to an (electronic) e-mandi aggregator model through which once a farmer registers and uploads his produce, buyers can give orders for the purchase. And, once the deal is complete, AgriBazaar facilitates the logistics of picking up the grain from the farmer's doorstep and delivering it to the buyers' warehouse.   

Renowned TV Celebrities Come Together to Join Hands with SBI Life Insurance to Unveil ‘WE CAN, WE WILL!’

Highlights

* One of the largest protagonist-led campaigns; 27 protagonists from different parts of the country sing the ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem in 9 different languages
* Anthem aims to highlight the influence of collective willpower to sail through the ongoing crisis while maintaining social distancing

SBI Life Insurance, one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, today unveiled the emotive ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem that reiterates the power of collective unity and solidarity to fight the spread of Covid-19. The anthem works as a clarion call to rally the nation in the face of current challenges, the theme ‘WE CAN, WE WILL!’ signifying that no challenge seems too big when we are united together.

The anthem was conceptualized by Be the Bee and the video featuring 27 TV celebrities from various parts of the country was executed by Mindshare. Establishing a regional connect, the TV celebrities can be seen singing the ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem from their respective homes in local languages like Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and Odia, thereby reflecting the nation’s true spirit of unity in diversity.

Please click on WeCanWeWill YouTube playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZvsa2TEwgkuwwZk-xp_hoM1yzTUwuXr

Kannada link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfyY-QEA0Tw&list=PLTZvsa2TEwgkuwwZk-xp_hoM1yzTUwuXr&index=6

SBI Life is also leveraging digital tools to foster further camaraderie among citizens in times of social distancing. Viewers can create their own personal video by visiting the microsite www.sbilife.co.in/WeCanWeWill  to lip-sync the WE CAN, WE WILL ! anthem, thereby spreading the message of staying united together in the current challenging times.

Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand & Corporate Communications, SBI Life Insurance, said, “The Corona virus outbreak has thrown up multiple, unprecedented challenges for people from all walks of life and the entire nation is exploring solutions to tide through this crisis. In these current times of self-isolation, the ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem is our humble effort to lift the spirits of every individual and remind them that as a nation we need to stay together, as with our collective will power WE CAN and WE WILL overcome the biggest of challenges.”

He further added, “By collaborating with local TV celebrities singing the anthem in their respective regional language we hope to lift the spirits of individuals and communities across the length and breadth of India. These are admittedly challenging times, but we truly believe that our collective force as a nation should not be undermined, as no challenge is daunting enough to overcome with India’s unique strength of unity in diversity; together, WE CAN, WE WILL ! protect our nation.”

Mr. Anirudh Jatkar, Famous Kannada TV Actor, said, “In the fight against coronavirus pandemic, SBI Life has taken a very noble initiative and it is my good fortune that I can contribute my bit towards such a selfless act.  Let us all have the faith, trust, and confidence that this deadly virus will soon be wiped out from the world. Till such times arrive, let us stay united with our spirits high and look forward to a brighter future.”

World Health Day: Popcorn Furniture Join Hands with “Good Karma for Kid’s Mental Wellbeing”

On World Health Day, Popcorn School Furniture, India’s largest educational furniture manufacturing company, announced a one-month campaign focused on the mental wellbeing of the children. The campaign, launched in association with Good Karma, aims to mitigate the stress in children during the COVID-19 outbreak through workshops and activities.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a high level of anxiety and fear in the minds of adults as well as children, who need extra care and proper guidance in this time. Popcorn Furniture will hold virtual workshops with kids as well as parents under the instruction of experts. Parents will be asked to plan some  activities for their children, such as reading, painting, cooking, games and an interactive session with grandparents to spend their time productively. One-to-one interaction with Dr Ranjan Ghosh (American Board certified with more than 20 years of experience) of Good Karma clinic will be held with kids and parents. Through this campaign, the brand will host engaging and innovative activities through its online platform for kids to boost their mental ability.

Commenting on the association, Ms Deepika Goyal, Founder and Director, Popcorn Furniture, said, “The emotional wellbeing of children is equally important as their physical health. Good mental health allows them to develop the resilience to cope with this lockdown situation. It is very essential to let the children use this time in a meaningful constructive manner instead of idling their time at home. We need to train kids and parents to cope with this situation under the supervision of experts. Hence the tie-up with Good Karma that deals with all aspects of mental wellbeing and counselling by Dr Ranjan Ghosh will be fruitful for our target group.”

Dr Ranjan Ghosh, psychiatrist, Good Karma, said, “An event that is outside our control can certainly damage our mental health, and it is made worse if we feel powerless to do anything about it. One way we can regain control and nourish our mental health is to remember the ‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’ which have been found in research to improve mental wellbeing in children and adults. They are - Give to others in your home, connect via phone or online, be aware,  be active and keep learning. That is why I have decided to link up with Popcorn Furniture to collaborate for the initiative #teachkarona to spread this important message during these anxious and uncertain times.” 

Hero Motocorp To Donote 60 First-Responder Mobile Ambulances

As part of its ongoing initiatives towards the COVID-19 relief efforts, Hero MotoCorp, world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, is donating 60 first-responder mobile ambulances to authorities.

These unique and utilitarian mobile ambulances will be useful for reaching out to patients in rural and remote areas and comfortably moving them to the nearest hospitals.

These ambulances have been custom-built as an accessory to be fitted on Hero MotoCorp motorcycles, with an engine capacity of 150cc and above. The ambulance accessories include sleeping arrangement with essential medical equipment such as a first-aid kit, oxygen cylinder, fire extinguisher and siren.

These mobile ambulances will be handed over to authorities in multiple regions across India.

MilkLane Begins “Doorstep Delivery of Safe Milk” Across Bengaluru City

During the nationwide lockdown due to the Covid-19, dairy startup MilkLane has begun home delivery of its products in Bengaluru. The move would help the residents avoid the hassle of stepping out of their homes and make long queues for the essential daily commodity. Consumers can register by Free dialing the number 09353100107 or via WhatsApp for availing doorstep delivery.

Bengaluru-based MilkLane has added the new delivery channel to ease the availability of dairy products, as the disruption in the industry supply chain has led to a gap in the supply of essential goods in the past few days. The startup, aimed at providing antibiotic-free, safe and standardized high-quality milk to consumers, has already made its products available through a strong distribution network of retail outlets and online delivery aggregators, who are facing challenges in providing essentials during the Coronavirus crisis.

Gaurav Haran, CEO of MilkLane, said, "It’s the right time to reach out directly when consumers are not able to buy dairy products due to the lockdown. We have started this service to help people avoid the risk of stepping out while still availing themselves of best quality products that maintain the  highest hygiene regulations."

UHT - Healthy milk with long shelf-life

Supply constraints in the milk industry have known to lead to a sharp rise in milk adulteration. The UHT packaging, along with adequate food safety measures at every level of the supply chain - collection, processing, and distribution - helps MilkLane deliver high-quality milk to the families in Bengaluru.

MilkLane procures its own milk and gets it processed in its own state of the art plant , maintaining the high standards of health and hygiene. The milk is processed with Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) technology to provide a safe and enhanced 90-days non-refrigerated shelf life. The process preserves the required  nutrients in the milk, which is then packaged in pre-sterilized tetra packs.

About MilkLane

MilkLane (ML), incubated by Pioneering Ventures, is India's first dairy company to provide high-quality milk that is safe from toxins and antibiotics contaminations. After being active in the B2B segment, the company ambitiously forays into the consumer segment in Bengaluru. The company aims to be a leader in the Indian dairy market with a focus on creating innovative, healthy, and nutritious products for families while improving the lives of farmers and animals.