India is experiencing a relentless second wave of COVID-19, spreading across the country at a devastating rate, rendering its healthcare system unable to accomodate for all who need support. With an official count of coronavirus cases surpassing 20 million on Tuesday May 4, cases have nearly doubled in the past three months, with the official death count having grown to over 220,000. Unfortunately, the true figures are believed to be far higher for the country of 1.35 billion than the official count - reflection of the troubles the healthcare system is facing.
Hospitals are at capacity and oxygen and supplies are dwindling over time, leaving those affected by COVID-19 unable to gain access to the medical attention they so desperately need. In response to the crisis, fundraisers are being resurrected throughout the country and beyond to raise money and help where possible.
Art For India is among those rallying to make a difference, with a fundraiser selling photo prints by renowned artists from India and the diaspora who have donated some if their most loved work. Artists including Bharat Sikka, Prarthna Singh, Kalpesh Lathigra, Ashish Shah and Avani Rai have all donated photographs for the sale.
All of the prints for sale are priced at £100 ($180 AUD) each plus shipping. The sale will be active until May 9, 2021 with 100% of proceeds (sans printing and shipping cost) being donated to Mission Oxygen, a group of 250+ entrepreneurs in India who have launched an urgent operation to import oxygen concentrators and distribute them to hospitals across India.
"As the UK (hopefully) emerges from the worst of its own crisis, seeing the news from India has been devastating and deeply affecting us all – we are grateful to the artists for joining us in this important cause and hopeful that each print sold can make a small but meaningful difference in lessening the tragedy of this situation." said organisers and London-based Indians, Heta Fell and Vivek Vadoliya, with Danielle Pender.
You can visit Art For India's website if you are interested in donating to this important cause in exchange for one of the incredible prints on offer.
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