In Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul, a traditional ‘moi virundhu’ crowdfunding feast was held to support the victims of the Wayanad Landslide. This event was organised in response to the tragic landslides that have claimed over 400 lives and caused widespread destruction. The ‘moi virunthu’ is a time-honored practice where people come together for a communal meal and are encouraged to make voluntary donations to various causes. This approach not only fosters community spirit but also allows for contributions of any size, ensuring that everyone can participate regardless of their financial situation.

During the event, participants enjoyed a communal meal served on banana leaves, which is a traditional way of presenting food in South India. After eating, attendees had the option to donate money either by placing it in a designated cash box or by leaving it under their banana leaf. This method of donation is both discrete and inclusive, allowing individuals to contribute according to their means without feeling pressured. The collected funds were intended to aid the survivors of the Wayanad landslides and assist in their rehabilitation.

Rasathi, one of the event participants, explained that the ‘moi virunthu’ was organised by local villagers to provide financial assistance to families severely affected by the landslides. She noted that the event’s design ensures that no one feels compelled to contribute and that donations are made anonymously, which helps to respect the privacy of the donors. This approach underscores the communal and supportive nature of the event, where the primary goal is to come together to help those in need.

Another participant, Nazriya, shared that she and her seven-year-old son donated ₹700 to the cause. Their contribution, while modest, was part of a larger collective effort that saw widespread involvement from the community. Mujib, who managed the event, was deeply touched by the high level of participation. He noted that while it would have been possible to collect funds and hand them over directly to the Chief Minister, they chose to use the traditional method to include even those who could only afford to give small amounts. This decision was driven by a desire to ensure that every contribution, no matter how small, was valued and recognised.

A significant amount of money was collected, including a cheque for ₹10,000, which was found under one of the banana leaves after the meal. This highlights the generosity and solidarity of the community in the face of a severe crisis. The landslides in Wayanad, triggered by heavy rainfall on July 30, have resulted in extensive devastation. Homes were flattened, and many people were trapped under the debris, leading to a significant loss of life and property. Rescue operations are ongoing, with numerous personnel working tirelessly to search for survivors and provide assistance to those in need.

In light of the Wayanad Landslide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit on August 10. This visit comes in response to calls from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, for the landslides to be declared a national disaster. Such a declaration would facilitate the release of additional funds and resources for relief and rehabilitation efforts, providing much-needed support to the affected communities.