These are dark days when each of us knows someone or has a loved one who has struggled with COVID or has lost the fight to the disease. The breakdown of our healthcare systems, citizens left to fend for themselves in the face of government incompetence and misplaced priorities are plain to see. In these difficult times, any bit of good news creates hope and makes us feel a little better about the situation. So when Australian cricketer Pat Cummins announced a donation of $50,000 towards ameliorating the oxygen crisis, people appreciated the gesture in one voice.
Pat Cummins made the announcement via a note that spoke about his love for India and Indians and about the discussion around continuing the IPL amidst a national crisis like this. He hopes that his contribution will help the currently ongoing medical oxygen production and supply problem.
His donation equals about Rs. 35 lakhs.
The tweeple were touched by this generous gesture from the Australian cricketer. Numerous Indian Twitter users tweeted with ‘Huge respect’ for Pat Cummins.
This is a great gesture from a person who isn't even Indian – who feels a deep connection with the country and an affinity for it.
Some reposted this tweet by India’s cricketing god to contrast the difference between making appeals making actual contributions.
Soon after Cummins made his announcement, the tweeple were asking what Indian cricketers were doing about the situation.
Well known journalists were also asking this question.
Sports journalist Boria Majumdar pointed this out. It is a fair point – many make contributions without announcing it, or they lend support in other ways which may be just as significant.
Though people may argue that cricketers should use their wealth and influence for the good of society, Twitter personality Ramesh Srivats makes another fair point. There is really no reason cricket players should be held to a higher standard than the rest of us.
We are now getting reports about an allocation made from the PM Cares fund for setting up of oxygen plants. However, the allocation of the rest of the money – thousands of crores donated by corporates, celebrities and just ordinary citizens with the most modest means – is not accounted for.
People are grateful to Pat Cummins for his generous gesture. However, it is also true that the PM Cares fund has been classified as a private trust and as such is not subject to audit. As of now, the PM Cares website offers Indians and foreign nationals information on how to donate, asks people to get involved, and has numerous infographics about various government schemes. There is no information available currently about the amount of money collected or its allocation. RTIs asking questions about these have also been unanswered. This is after all the people’s money – surely we the people should be asking questions? Surely we have the right to answers at this, the darkest and grimmest of times?
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