Tamil Nadu Ranji players actively aid Chennai flood victims

Rains have brought life to a standstill in Chennai and nearby areas

Chennai succumbed to a disastrous downpour of rain and the whole city came to a halt. What was inspiring was that the entire city came in unison to help people in need. So was the case of Tamil Nadu cricket's Ranji players, who helped in the relief work after an embarrassing defeat to Punjab in the Ranji trophy.

Skipper Abhinav Mukund and twin brothers Baba Aparajith and Baba Indrajith did a substantial amount of work distributing relief material to the people affected by the devastating floods.

“It's not just about us, it's about all of us who are working hard to help the affected people,” Aparajith said.

“It's a complete disaster and we are doing on what we can. They have been working in various groups and their day starts at 8 am and ends at 6 pm. They are collecting food, medicines, clothes, blankets and other necessary items and distributing those among the affected people. It's a great gesture and I am sure they will inspire others as well to do the same,” Dr RN Baba, senior Tamil Nadu Cricket Association official and father of the twins told TOI.

“Today they worked at the RK Salai are and other parts of TTK Road. Water-borne diseases will start spreading now as the water recedes. We must be careful now and help each to prevent disease and make people aware about it” Dr. Baba added.

‘If we don’t help people now, when will we?’

Dr. Baba and his wife Revathy, who is a gynecologist run a hospital in Ambattur and they distributed medicines which were given to the victims. Therefore, getting the necessary medicines was not at all a problem for the family.

“If we don’t help people now, when will we? Chennai has never witnessed such a devastating flood before” said Dr. Baba.

The sporting fraternity have been paying their tributes and condolences ever since the floods have hit the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The Indian cricket team during their ongoing series against South Africa also sent out heartfelt messages and prayers to the Chennai victims. Ravichandran Ashwin, a resident of Chennai had lost contact with his parents for 24 hours during the fourth test at New Delhi, but he was finally able to get in touch with them.

Other sports stars such as India’s top squash player, Dipika Pallikal, who is also a resident of Chennai promised a contribution of 2 lakhs towards the Tamil Nadu Chief minister’s Public Relief fund.

“I will also help in whatever way I can. The honorable CM has awarded me generously for my gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian Games medals and now I would like to do my bit to revive our Chennai” Pallikal said.

Saina Nehwal was yet another player who contributed 2 lakhs for the flood victims.