Udupi: Ravi Katapady has been raising funds during the Krishna Janmashtami festival for the cause of the needy and the poor by donning theme-based costumes. This year he has become Dark Elite and will bring a ray of hope into the lives of three individuals who need monetary help.
Ravi has been accorded special permission from the District Administration to don the role due to his charitable activities even during this pandemic time despite blanket ban on the same.
Every year Ravi Katapady raises funds for the poor patients who cannot afford to pay for their medical expenses in particular. During Janmashtami, Ravi has been dressing up using 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 of work over the last six years. Ravi Katapady and Friends have raised Rs. 72 lakhs during the last six years, and all the money has been given to the parents of poor children for their medical treatment.
Due to his background of poverty, Ravi could study only up to 9th grade. He started working right after school as a mason. Today he earns around Rs. 450 – 500 per day but work is sometimes hard to find. Ravi has lost both his parents and lives with his brother and sister-in-law.
Although leading a life of poverty Ravi’s only desire is to see the poor and needy get treated.
He had won Rs. 8 lakh by participating in Kaun Banega Crorepati show and had donated it all to the needy. The donation he receives through international websites too goes to the needy families too.
Every small donation and little support can ensure Ravi’s dream of saving as many sick children.
Picture Courtesy: Guru Karkala
