Actor Nana Paterkar’s NGO Naam Foundation has donated Rs 12.75 lakh to 85 families of drought-hit farmers of the district who allegedly committed suicide last year. A cheque of Rs 15,000 each was handed over to the family members of 85 farmers who ended their lives due to crop failure and debt burden.
Narrating her ordeal at the function here yesterday, Sujata Bachchav, a young widow from Malegaon, said her husband ended his life unable to bear the huge debt and that she now has responsibility of looking after her in-laws and a daughter with no proper means of income to which Patekar assured her help.
The noted Hindi and Marathi actor urged people to help such families by contributing for the education of their children and assisting them through various means.
He informed that NAAM has started a medical card facility under which free medical services will be rendered to those who hold NAAM medical card. Patekar urged hospitals to come forward and contribute in the cause.
MVP Samaj’s Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College & Hospital on the occasion expressed its willingness to help by giving free medical aid to the beneficiaries. Speaking on future plans of the foundation, Patekar said a programme of deepening of 350 kms of river in the state will be undertaken and many big projects are in the offing for farmers to over come the crisis caused due to natural calamities. Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure, who is also associated with the foundation, was also present at the function.