Medicos get aid from alumni

 

NEW DELHI: The incessant media coverage of striking medical students has given them the kind of attention that is any protesters’ dream. Yet, their financial support system remains largely invisible. Every day there are costs incurred- a shamiana has been erected at AIIMS where the students who are on an indefinite hunger strike and others are stationed. There is constant supply of mineral water for the students on strike. Other expenses like cell phone calls, banners charts, pamphlets and transport expenses also add up. So where are the students getting their funding from?

 

“We have been flooded with emails and online contacts from various groups which mainly include NRIs and IIT and IIM alumnus. They have asked us to open a separate account and are ready to deposit money on an immediate basis. However, as yet we have not tapped into this source, as it is difficult for us to manage that kind of money,” says Dr Neha Gami, a senior resident at AIIMS.

 

 The students have been promised all kind of monetary help. Be it to buy computers, cell phones or lap tops, the Indians abroad are more than willing to do their bit in the struggle going on at home. “A lot of IIT, IIM alumnus have contacted us and have said that they left the country because of the lack of a basic working system. They are all absolutely against reservation and have promised us all support to fight it once and for all,” said Shubham, a student representative.

 

There is also a donation box which has seen many generous donations. Students are also being supported by trade organisations. “Whatever they need to protest, we will provide.

 

Financial considerations should be the last thing on their mind while protesting against reservations which will harm the nation,” said Praveen Khandelwal, President of the Confederation of all India traders.