Date:02/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/02/stories/2005010203790500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Chiranjeevi donates 10 lakhs for tsunami victims

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, JAN. 1. The film star, Chiranjeevi, today donated Rs. 10 lakhs to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for relief and rehabilitation of tsunami victims even as the pace of contributions picked up momentum on Saturday. More than Rs.54 lakhs was received by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) during the day.

Accompanied by the film producer, Allu Arvind, Mr. Chiranjeevi called on the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, at the Secretariat for presenting the cheque.

Later, speaking to reporters, Dr. Reddy invited liberal donations for the cause. Mr. Arvind said Mr. Chiranjeevi's gesture was intended to inspire people to contribute to the Government's efforts.

The film industry had always stood solidly behind the Government in meeting such calamities.

Other contributions

Among the major donations received by the CMO included Rs. 15 lakhs towards a day's salary of the city police, Rs. 10 lakhs by South India Research Institute Private Limited, Vijayawada, Rs. five lakh each by film the producer, Ramanaidu, the Managing Director of Heritage Foods, V. Nagaraja Naidu, and the Managing Director of Green Park, Hyderabad, Murali K. Reddy, Rs. 3 lakhs by Padmashali Seva Sangham, Rs. 1.35 lakhs by HUDA employees, Rs. 1.23 lakhs by Vignana Jyothi, Rs. one lakh each by NEDCAP, Popular Shoe Mart, Vijayawada, V. Smitha, pop singer, Padmasri Estates, A. Butchaiah Chowdary, Auro Avenida Exports Limited and Pioneer Distilleries Limited.

Padmashali Seva Sangham also contributed Rs. 2 lakhs more to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.