An outpouring of help

From individuals who owe everything to Chennai to biker groups to animal lovers, Hyderabadis are going all out to help flood victims

When the floods hit Chennai, the city that has given Hyderabad-based businessman Sanjeev Vijaykumar everything, he had one simple plan up his sleeve – “Get on my bike and gather as much supplies as I can and ride for more than 12 hours for 650 km.” The businessman adds, “I started working soon after I graduated from a college in Chennai; everything I am is because of what that city has given me, I can’t watch it drown now,” he says.

From a single man to the whole community Determined to not turn a deaf ear to the plight of the helpless, Sanjeev posted messages on forums and even on biking forums from the city — Hyderabad Royals and Wanderers, which he is a part of. And he was unprepared for the outpouring of help, from people who not only wanted to contribute but also wanted to ride all the way to Chennai. “And now, believe it or not, even my car is insufficient to carry the supplies,” says Sanjeev.

Along with Sanjeev, two more volunteers and members of Hyderabad Royals, Sukumar and Sadashiv, who work in the civil engineering and real estate sector, will be travelling to Chennai on Friday and will be staying there till Monday to help distribute the supplies.

“Hyderabad Royals has 950 members and is not just a community of bikers, we also want to give back to the community,” says Navin Bhogi, a software professional. In the past, the group has helped fund treatment of a girl child suffering from leukemia among other things.

“We have designated two locations in Gachibowli and Kukatpally from where the supplies are going to be collected. We will only be collecting the following: Biscuits (ready to eat food), blankets, sanitary napkins, soaps, antiseptic medicines, bleaching power, candle, matchbox, mosquito coil and water packets; we are not taking any money. We are also discouraging people from packing cooked food as it might not last the 12-hour journey to Chennai,” he says.

Sanjeev adds, “If the aforementioned locations are too far away, people can message or call me on 9600026813 and I will drop by to pick up the stuff. December 11 is the last date when I will be collecting supplies.”