Date:09/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/09/stories/2005040918350300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Celebrities come together for a cause

By Our Staff Reporter

Actor Vishnuvardhan (left) and former cricketers Kapil Dev and B.K. Venkatesh Prasad, and golfer Shruti Khanna at a press conference organised by Vision of India in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE, APRIL 8. Celebrities have come together to help raise funds for non-governmental organisations.

Former cricket captain Kapil Dev along with golfer Shruthi Khanna, actor Madhavan, former cricketers S.M.H. Kirmani and B.K. Venkatesh Prasad, actress-singer Vasundhara Das and actor-turned-member of Parliament Ambarish are taking part in the Airtel Celebrity Golf event on April 30 to raise funds to support education and fight against HIV/AIDS.

"Celebrities want to do something charitable to help other people. They want to give at least 5 per cent of their time, love and money to charitable causes," said Mr. Kapil Dev at a press conference organised by Vision of India which is organising the event in association with Airtel.

Deepak Mehrotra, Chief Officer of Bharti Cellular Ltd., said Airtel is committed to making society a better place to live in.

The proceeds from the event will go to Kushi, Parikrama and YRG Care.

"They are a bright lot of children who deserve a lot more," said Ms. Vasundhara Das who has interacted with children in Parikrama.

She will perform at the April 30 show and fashion guru Prasad Bidapa will conduct a fashion show titled `A sporty affair.'

Individuals interested in contributing to the charities or registering with the event can call Vision of India on 51123213.