A simple message from Sachin Tendulkar on his twitter page is enough to raise Rs 1.25 crore in two weeks and the beneficiaries would be the children of the veteran batsman's project "Sachin's Crusade against Cancer in Children".
"Sachin just tweeted once two weeks ago and overnight lakhs came in donations. Over Rs 125 lakhs have been collected," Dr P Jagannath of the "Crusade against Cancer Foundation" said at a press conference here today.
"This is an astounding figure and is probably the highest that has been collected by a single celebrity in India for a single fund raising event," Dr Jagannath said, adding he had approached Tendulkar through his wife Anjali for the cause.
"I approached Dr Anjali Tendulkar who is a paediatrician and known to me through some friends. She convinced Sachin for this cause," he said.
"In the last one week itself over Rs 30-40 lakhs have been collected for the project which reaches those in the low income group in India. An expert panel will access the medical and financial needs and offer better treatment as well as the dosages," he said.
The project is close to the champion batsman's heart and Tendulkar issued a statement terming it "as the most satisfying contribution" in his life.
"Every child is precious and bringing the smile back to the child and lighting a new life is the most satisfying thing one can dream of," Tendulkar said about his project.
"I'm grateful to all the donors in every part of the country who rallied behind me in my effort to save the lives of children afflicted with cancer. This is the most satisfying contribution in my life," the batting great said.
Dr Jagannath said that what was most interesting among the contributions were those who donated Rs 100 and 200.
"Corporate India has responded well (to Tendulkar's appeal). What is heartening is we have received donations for as little as Rs 100 and 200. This shows there are people who feel for the cause and have contributed whatever they could," he said.
"I'm surprised why other celebrities have not used this medium (Twitter) to raise funds (for charity)," he added.
Dr Jagannath said Tendulkar and his wife Anjali were also scheduled to take part in a fund raising dinner tonight. PTI
