Dia Mirza on her 40th birthday has pledged 40 lakhs to the frontline of the forest warriors. The actress posted the same on a fundraising platform called Milaap, where she pledged for the said amount.
She said, “On my birthday this year, I would like to take the opportunity to request all those who may want to send me flowers or gifts to instead make a donation to WTI to help our ‘VanRakshaks’ (forest warriors).”
She further said, “There could be no better birthday gift! Your gift will help support the bereaved families of India’s ‘Guardians of the Wild’ who lost their lives to Covid-19 while protecting our natural heritage.”
Elaborating further, she wrote, “Beginning with my 40th birthday on 9 December, for the next 40 days, I will donate a lakh each day and hope that you all will (contribute alongside me to the best of your abilities/match or better that amount) as we seek to maximise our collective impact.”
Talking on the challenging lives of the forest warriors, she said, “Our guardians of the wild, our van rakshaks risk their lives in service to nature. They often fall to accidents in the toughest of terrain, inclement weather, attacks by wild animals or poachers. When the second wave of Covid-19 tore through the country leading to nationwide lockdowns, these men and women were out patrolling our country’s forests on foot (sic).”
She added, “Between March and June 2021, when most of us stayed at home, India lost more than 500 of these conservation heroes to Covid-19. Most of them were young, between 30 and 50 years of age, and had committed their lifetime to preserving India’s wildlife. The sudden demise of so many young, committed people is not only heart-wrenching, but a blow to nature conservation. The least we can do now is to recognise their service and stand in support of the young families they leave behind, who have suffered the biggest blow.”
Concluding, she said, “I appeal to you to join me and donate for the cause. Our target is to raise the remaining amount to cover all 65 families and your contribution can bring us closer to our goal”. as quoted by India Tv News.
View Instagram Post 1: Dia Mirza Pledges 40L To Forest Warriors Ahead Of Her 40th Birthday
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