Udupi: Ravi Katapady has been raising funds during Krishna Janmastami festival for the cause of the needy and the poor by donning theme-based costumes. This year, he is all set to become a vampire and bring a ray of hope into the lives of three individuals who need monetary help.
Addressing the reporters in the city on Thursday, Ravi Katapadi said that this year the funds raised would be used for helping Srithan (3), son of Kushal and Usha from Mandari near here, Pratham (5), son of Ravindra and Yashodha from Varkady and 18-year-old Kiran, son of Krishnamurthy and Kushal Acharya from Hiriyadka, all of whom are undergoing treatment for various health issues.
Every year Ravi Katapady raises funds for the poor patients who cannot afford to pay for their medical expenses in particular. During Janmashtami, Ravi dresses up on different themes with his team called Ravi and Friends, Katapady. The group moves around the lane of Udupi collecting money. He has been doing this kind work over the last five years.
Ravi Katapady and Friends have raised Rs 1.04lakh during the first year, Rs. 3.2lakh during the second year, Rs. 4.65 lakh during the third year, Rs 5.12 lakh during the fourth year and Rs 5.32lakh during last year. All the money has been given to the parents of poor children for their medical treatment.
This year’s costume will cost Ravi Rs 20,000 as against Rs 1.2 lac spent last year. This year he has decided not to spend a lot of money on the costume.
He said that the funds collected during this year’s Janmashtami would be handed over to the parents of said beneficiaries at a public function at Katapady on September 3. Sri Ishavittaldas Swamiji of Kemar Mutt and Nisha James Superintendent of Police, Udupi district will be the guests.
