The power of small was realized when Kuwait-based Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Alumni decided to help the people of India suffering from COVID-19. So far, this group of IIT-IIM alumni has donated 1000 oxygen cylinders to the Red Cross Society of India.
Upon seeing the destruction, the second wave of the pandemic has caused, one of the group members Vivek Pawar (IIT Delhi 2009 batch) contacted his friend Sandeep Nainwal who resides in India. Vivek and Sandeep are both NITIE Mumbai alumni. Within couple of days, the duo raised a fund of more than KD 50,000/-. The fund was utilized to purchase 1000 oxygen cylinders. Those cylinders were donated to Indian Embassy via IN COVID SUPPORT FZE LLC fund setup in UAE.
The cylinder requirement was fulfilled by refrigeration and oxygen company, a part of the Airtec Group based in Kuwait. The company also provided free oxygen filling support for all the cylinders. The Chief operation officer of AIRTEC group, Mr. Peeyush Jain also happens to be the president of IITIIM alumni association of Kuwait.
Mr. Peeyush Jain, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Vivek Pawar and Mr. Sandeep Nainwal and applauded their great support. They, in turn, promised their whole hearted support and assured that they will not leave any stone unturned to benefit the cause in any way possible.
The oxygen cylinders were transported from Kuwait to India under operation Samudra Setu II. They were carried on the Indian Navy ships namely, INS Kolkata, INS Trikand and INS Airavat. The supply reached various ports of India within 4 days and was deployed immediately.
When asked to speak about the initiative, Mr Vivek said, “We are willing to provide all the necessary support for our country. It is the least we can do sitting far away from our loved ones. We all should help India in this dire situation. In the coming few weeks, we will try to send more help to India in the form of oxygen supply. “
Mr Vivek emphasized that with the right intentions each one of us can make a huge impact. If not now, then when is a question that has motivated the group to act quickly and support their motherland India.
On behalf of The IIT-IIM association in Kuwait, Mr. Peeyush Jain and Mr. Vivek Pawar met the Ambassador of India in Kuwait H.E., Mr. Sibi George and thanked him for his continuous support. The ambassador also expressed his gratitude to the IITIIM alumni association and offered his full and unconditional support for the noble cause that the association has taken for their motherland.
The ambassador, explained the excellent and timely support that Kuwait government has offered to the embassy without whom this supply to India would not be possible.
On behalf of the whole Indian community, IITIIM Alumni association in Kuwait, thanks the people and the government of Kuwait who have stood side by side and shown their solidarity in support of India.