I Am Bhojpuriya

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  • Fino Payments Bank deploys Covid relief through Give India

    Raises fund to procure medical relief and oxygen cylinders to patients

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 24: In its efforts to provide relief to Covid patients across the country Fino Payments Bank will be raising a corpus of around Rs 1 crore. The bank will raise the fund by tapping the potential of its transactions-led model. For efficient procurement and distribution of medical aid, Fino has associated with Give India, an online donation platform that works with entities on social causes. Fino’s endeavour is part of the collaborative, collective, and compassionate efforts of the business community, NGOs and civil society.

    “We are in the midst of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and all need to do our bit to help each other,” said Rishi Gupta, MD & CEO, Fino Payments Bank.

    What is happening around us is really painful. Our efforts are aimed at alleviating the anxiety of affected people and their families. We believe in the power of small numbers. Our transaction-based model will help create the fund to the tune of Rs 1 crore for this cause. Every time a consumer transacts we allocate a certain sum to this fund. In effect every transaction is small but an important step in saving lives. Our partner Give India will facilitate access to timely medical aid that we hope will help save as many people as possible.”

    The fund will be used by Give India to procure and distribute medicines, oxygen cylinders, and other life-saving equipment to the Covid patients.

    Fino Payments Bank’s huge financial services distribution network caters largely to rural markets. The second wave has affected people across economic strata and this approach will help provide the needed medical support.

    Banking is an essential service during the pandemic and Fino’s over 6 lakh neighbourhood banking points are open and provide people access to cash and banking. More transactions more will be the corpus generated that can be utilised to save lives.

  • FaB Global Proudly Presents the National Business Award 2021 to Acknowledge and Celebrate the Success of Businesses around India.

    Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 24: FaB will be awarding meritorious entrepreneurs and small businesses across India in association with National Business Award. FaB National Business Award 2021 is an outstanding event to appreciate and celebrate the success of businesses in India. These awards will be held in December 2021 in Bangalore. All individuals and businesses in India – public and private, large and small – may submit nominations to FaB National Business Award.

    Small businesses are the backbone of the Indian economy. However, The COVID-19 created impediments in the progress of SMEs. Nevertheless, it also left positive effects. The Indian SMEs became more resilient by adopting innovation, digitalization, and new market strategies. So, these awards are to acknowledge the innovation of Indian entrepreneurs who are the building blocks of the Indian economy.

    National Business Awards 2021 is organized by FaB. “FaB is a multifaceted global platform to help you network personally & professionally with many options of Business Verticals, which is very unique to FaB and makes FaB much more than a referral organization” says Mr. SK Sunil Krishna, Founder & Chief Architect, FaB Global. “FaB has a presence in major Indian cities and now venturing into global level by entering Malaysia, Australia and UAE,” says Dr. Jaikish Jayaraj, Chairman FaB Global.

    These awards provide ample opportunities for business owners. For instance, these awards provide an opportunity to build a network with other entrepreneurs, and to meet business leaders at the national level. Also, it allows entrepreneurs to discuss their business struggles and share their success stories. In this way, the hard work of leading SMEs will be recognized by their fellow businessmen, and their business achievements will be assessed by proficient Juries. Thus, this event has a learning value where business owners can learn how to overcome challenges in their businesses. In brief, these awards confirm and demonstrate the diligence that small businesses put into their success. Likewise, the FaB National Business Awards enhance the credibility of business among investors and customers. Indeed, the FaB National Business award consolidates the reputation of the awarded entrepreneur in the business community because they help them to attract more clients and employees through marketing. “The FaB National Business Award allows us to applaud the SME community as they continue to support and mentor each other,” says Ms. Kalpana Yuvaraaj, Vice Chairman for FaB. Therefore, these awards are instrumental for competing in the marketplace as well.

    FaB National Business Award aims to recognise and reward deserving companies from different categories across India’s business landscape. FaB National Business Award has more than 20 jury members.  With their experience and passion for their businesses, their expertise is crucial in remaining impartial when adjudicating each submission. “The National Business Award Jury is comprised of highly respected senior-level executives, business professionals, and acclaimed entrepreneurs from all over the world,” says CEO, FaB Global, Mr. Vishnu R Unnithan.  More details of the National Business Award are stated at www.fabiansglobal.com.

  • In these hard times, Jenika Ventures is discovering better approaches to keep its operations running smoothly, and the clients satisfied

    Jenika Ventures, established by Abhishek Raj, is a real estate consulting firm situated in Noida

    New Delhi [India], May 24: Rapid urbanization and a powerful economy are among the key drivers that have helped the real estate and development sectors grow significantly over a very long time in India.

    Real estate companies in India are confronting difficulties in remaining above water during the COVID-19 crisis. Jenika Ventures established in December 2020 is a real estate consulting firm that is finding better ways to not only survive but thrive. When the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading in India, it exacerbated the issues plaguing the country’s real estate industry.

    Despite this, Jenika Ventures is not looking out for the market trends to change; rather discovering better approaches to keep its operations running smoothly and its clients satisfied.

    Jenika Ventures hosted a webinar on 16th May, 21. In these hard times, the webinar was organized as a part of corporate social responsibility on Coexistence with COVID-19 to create awareness among the masses. It was a workshop where experts from AIIMS and MAX hospital have shared tips and tricks on how to enhance our immunity and mental health.

    Abhishek Raj, Founder & CEO says I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those whose presence has made this webinar a success. This non-profit initiative was taken for the first time by any Real Estate organization. The session was led by experts from top medical institutions like AIIMS & MAX. I was glad and felt privileged to see so many viewers attending from various geographies of the country and also globally. In my view, thought leadership can only be accomplished with dedicated & aggressive teamwork working towards a common goal. And I do not hesitate to say that my entire team including technical support has done a tremendous job in attaining this common goal. Also, I convey my special thanks to our doctors Dr. Ritupushp from AIIMS and Dr. Pramoj Jindal from MAX who came to the front in this tough time for a noble cause. A bit of difference created in people’s lives will make our mission accomplished. Look forward to more endeavors shortly. Stay strong, stay safe & keep helping. We will WIN.

    Jenika Ventures claims to give fair-minded options and offering hassle-free start to end services to the clients. It onboard and works with listed and Grade A+ developers as an essential consultant, and in return, takes a part of the project’s inventory already, making a mutually advantageous situation for all the parties.

    He adds, our motto is “Committed to people, committed to future” We are a youthful group with colossal love and enthusiasm for Real Estate Consulting who dares to prepare to stun the world and isn’t reluctant to be distinctive internationally. These words express the mission of Jenika Ventures. Above all, they firmly believe that every client managing can be an extraordinary experience and can transform your one exchange into many if handled with three main principles: Proficient Consultancy, Sustainable & Grade A+ Developers, and Authentic & Transparent Services. This emanates the qualities they center towards their customers with a mission of commitment to society.

    An MBA graduate from The University of Sheffield, UK, Abhishek is a serial entrepreneur. Since then he followed that and started his journey as an Entrepreneur in 2011 immediately after his MBA in the UK, leaving aside all the offers in hand for the job in the Top 4 consultancies like KPMG, EY, PWC, or Deloitte (a dream for many students), but his dream was something else. That was his visionary advance taken which is very much demonstrated following ten years now as he has introduced and launched his start-up, Jenika Ventures LLP.

    As indicated by Abhishek, “over ten years of experience of a lot of push and pull in my excursion has constrained me to develop something which I can conceive-perceive-execute-stabilize with my actual inward values of transparency, honesty, objectivity, and capable consultancy. We have a group of experts who have overachieved their objectives with 100% utilization in the first quarter of organization origin (this uncovers the vision of JV).”

    He believes “my reverie was to commence, my plan to continue, my endeavor to accomplish, and my obsession to outshine.”

    Real estate was among the first marketplace centers in India to attract. Jenika Ventures try to spread bliss by transforming dreams about claiming a sweet home into a genuine magnum opus of one’s decision with a standard of extreme Quality, Craftsmanship, and Creativity from their exclusive portfolio of different projects.

    Jenika Ventures is a Real Estate Business Consulting firm situated in Noida, an organization that puts stock in advancing a brand, quality, and validity to its clients. This Venture is developed with a particular reason by a visionary who sees an enhanced insight of over ten years in real estate consultancy.

  • How pandemic motivated Digital Marketing Expert and Business Consultant Vinay Hankare to re-launch dying businesses

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 24: Started career as a freelancer, business consultant Vinay Hankare is bridging gaps existing in the current digital marketing business. With focus, goal and dedication, he has built a dynamic team during this pandemic and has been successfully giving business support to the clients. Having collaborated with local businesses, funded start-ups, MNCs, unicorns and even globally acclaimed companies as a freelancer, he knows the secret to build a thriving business. He detested the agencies that work on a deliverable basis. This model forces the businesses to get limited results. So, he took an initiative and planned a unique business model.

    He emphasised the quality that makes him stand apart from the agencies, ‘building and maintaining a cordial relationship with clients’. He took the opportunity and tried taking the risk of eliminating the stated rules of these companies. During the pandemic, many companies were on the verge of shutting their businesses. Vinay Hankare took the challenge of transforming these dying businesses into successful ventures by shifting them online. Treating his client’s business as his own, this unique approach helped the clients put trust in him with their businesses.

    He started by taking small steps. To ensure that the clients feel motivated to share their journey, he started by providing 2-hours free consultation calls with his clients which he previously charged Rs. 600 per hour. In this consultation process, he understands the motives of the businesses, apprehends the problems, finds the target audience, and then provides solutions that will help the businesses to reach their goals. Once the businesses are on board, he provides perfectly tailored solutions for all the specific clients. He stays involved in the whole process and delivers according to the business’s requirements. This one-on-one conversation has helped the businesses to understand their potential and thus, bring in more profit for them.

    By following this method, he has prevented many businesses from giving up on their dreams and hopes. In fact, he opened doors for the businesses to grow and earn profits even when the pandemic has hit hard. He is also leading a team of highly skilled individuals and guides them to deliver results to be a professional in their field. He has proven his ethics and expertise that helped him to bring business for the clients even during a pandemic.

    His 360-degrees solution has been a help in pandemic and he hopes to help recover more dying businesses. Being a digital marketer and expert in online business for the past 6 years, he changed the way people have been doing digital marketing. In the long run, Vinay aims to change the ongoing crisis of communication in the digital world and be the ultimate solution for any business-related problems.

  • Perhaps Sahil Samuel is the Indian rising performer of the decade!

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 24: The stylish performer Sahil Samuel has effortlessly garnered the title ‘Freddie Mercury of India’ for his voguish appearance on stage. He is prominent for devouring any platform being offered to leave the listeners thrilled and wanting more. The celebutante of the Independent Music Industry in India advises, “Do not start with the pace to race and also be an artist to manifest, not to parade!”

    Born on the 23rd of February 1993 and presently residing in Chandigarh, the artist who would prefer to see himself as a performer rather than a singer is the frontman and the founder of the Naalayak band that is Chandigarh-West DeIhi based. Naalayak band consists of the front man – Sahil Samuel, the lead guitarist – Akshatt Kakar, the bass guitarist – Aashish Kalanta, and Garry Singh Arora- the drummer.

    The young Sahil was born to a middle-class family where his parents already had his life mapped out. Despite the averse Of his parents to his aspiration, Sahil did not relinquish. Rather, discovering that he had a passion for music, Sahil started writing songs. Seems too good to be true but this talented writer has already devised over 300 plus songs since 2016. He earned his first club gig in 2014, which landed him to be the vocalist of a well-known band “Swastik” and in the following year, he began his search for the Sahil Samuel Project. Accordingly, the Naalayak band was thus formed in 2015.

    The performer Sahil regards himself as fortunate for being gifted and blessed. From the songs that he has composed so far as mentioned above, some have been released in the EP ‘Naalayak’ with the album name “Main Ka Bukhar” in 2018 with his band. In addition, out of the five songs that will be included in the 2nd album “Hindi Gaane” two have been released and the remaining three songs will also be released soon. After which, the release of 3rd album being scheduled is also all set to be placed on the table. ‘Bawra,’ ‘Haan Pyaar Hain,’ ‘Dil-aeRam,’ ‘Mustafa,’ ‘Nasamajh; and recently added ‘Zakir’ are some of the songs that have left people mesmerised. Dejected as everyone is feeling around the world, with the Covid-19 leaving the  Pandora box opened disrupting the preplanned scheme, things have not been going steady, leaving everything on a hiatus.

    Samuel’s music is weaved with Urdu and Hindi words that vigorously speak loud and captivates the listeners. Such inventiveness of the words he produces is also seemed to be influenced by artists such as Atif Aslam, Raghu Dixit, Lucky Ali. Axel Rose, Robert Plant and Freddie Mercury are the animators for his stage presence.

    Apart from platform life, he is a pet lover – He is quite fond of his pets and is often seen posting their pictures and videos on social media. The young star has a rather gullible and friendly personality. P.S. He is a practical joker!

    The icon’s folk wisdom “Fame (show off) is like cancer. If you detect it in time you will be cured and shine for long (history), But if you don’t fix it, you will be done very soon.” He adds, “Being a musician is like walking on thin ice, It ain’t no bed Of roses! So, if you’re determined, strive hard and do not let anyone tell you, ‘You cannot’ Rather, prove them wrong with your hard work.”

    Delightful and fascinating Sahil with the visual envisions Naalayak with multiple albums being released in the coming years wishes to go on a world tour. Jubilant to be an Indian Independent artist and performer band, Naalayak anticipates envisaging to broaden their appreciating listeners worldwide.

    Visit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPGpTmFMb2h/?utm_medium=copy_link

  • Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Vishal Singh reunite for Filmeraa’s anthology Lunch Stories, streaming on Disney + Hotstar

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 22: Known for helming award-winning original content such as Dum Dum Dumroo, Dark Brew, Bedhab, See you on the other side, etc., Filmeraa brings real and sensitive stories in an anthology titled Lunch Stories. The anthologies’ chapter 1 and chapter 2 are already streaming on Disney + Hotstar and Filmeraa app and is about a positive exchange of conversations amongst people, who generally or usually don’t have lunch together, leading to change in perspective and realising the sensitivities.

    Lunch Stories is an anthology of multiple chapters. The first chapter, The Covid Story was released on April 30th that stars Vishal Singh, and now the second chapter, The Date Story was released on May 15th, 2021 which features Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Paribhasha Mishra and the rest of the two chapters will be releasing in consecutive weeks. Interestingly, Vishal and Devoleena have earlier worked together in Star Plus’s one of the most popular shows Saath Nibhana Saathiya.

    Actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who plays the role of ‘Laxmi’ in ‘The Date Story’ says, “Since we were born as a girl, we have been taught to keep everyone else in priority before us. Through this series, we are focusing on women, their passion, dreams and choices.”

    The Covid Story actor Vishal Singh shares, “I am fortunate to work on a story which is a tribute to health workers in these tough times”

    Actor, Writer and Co-founder of “Filmeraa”, Paribhasha Mishra, who plays the role of ‘Diya’ in ‘The Date Story’, says “We felt the need to highlight the common sensitivities which are missing in today’s society. Lunch stories also showcase how people’s judgemental behaviour results in suppression of so many ambitions and passions ~ different stories but a common enemy.”

    Director, Writer and Founder of the platform “Filmeraa”, Akash Goila says, “Lunch Stories is an anthology with multiple chapters (episodes), where we are highlighting about people who end up discussing things which they never discuss with anyone else while having food together and how these little conversations with each other change their perspective towards their problems.”

    Lunch Stories have been receiving rave reviews from all over and is successfully streaming on Disney + Hotstar and Filmeraa app.

  • Numerology to the masses, educating people and more…

    Priyanka Kuumar, a Mumbai numerologist, is on a mission

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 21: In a country where the more famous numerologists focus only on the rich and elite, Mumbai-based Priyanka Kuumar has taken it upon her to reach the benefits of the science of numerology to the masses of this country. Through her brand Numberwrks (www.numberwrks.com), she aims to take the benefits of numerology to every person across the country. Her biggest USP is that her services to people cost just a fraction of what most well-known Numerologists charge for almost a likely service.

    Presenting numerology as a science and not as a mystic tool is an approach with which Priyanka Kuumar operates. She offers numerology-based services to the masses as a method to support and enhance the results of the good karma they are doing, not as something which they need only when they are facing problems. Her presentation is always straightforward, fact-based and devoid of all the drama that is typically associated with traditional practitioners of mystic science.

    Speaking to the media here, Priyanka said – “I look at Numerology as science where you study and define the input that you are providing and ensure that a predictable output is obtained with a high level of probability. When I present my Numerology Reports, the first question I ask my clients is – “How much are you able to associate yourself with this report?” In most cases, the association level is more than 90%. However, I always tell people that Numerology and its recommendations are secondary, the most important aspect that defines success is your Karma”.

    She makes it loud and clear that her primary objective is to take the benefits of Numerology to the masses. Not as an occult practice but as a simple science that can help them. She does it through consulting, and also takes the information to a broader audience through her YouTube channels. channels: Her Channel (Priyanka Kuumar), which has a very large subscriber base and reach.

    It will be worth noting that one of her videos on “Signature Analysis” has seen a huge reach, and thus has gone viral with over 3M views as of date. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzxcZ_5FV88&t=214s

    Speaking on why Numberwrks could be the best value offering in the country, Priyanka said – “The aim of Numberwrks, as a numerology consulting firm, is to demystify the science behind Numerology and make sure as many people benefit from the services. Hence, we have priced the services at a very reasonable level, so that the benefits reach the masses. Thanks to the pandemic, the entire process of consultation is now online, and the consultation report/advice is mailed to the client or sometimes even shared over WhatsApp. There is no need for any Face to face meeting, and all doubts, are clarified through Zoom/Google meet, wherever needed.”

    Priyanka Kuumar has been practising Numerology for many years and to date has served over 1000 clients from all walks of life. What is interesting is that these clients come from across the country and from various backgrounds. A large chunk of clients come through reference and that is a clear indicator of the level of satisfaction of people using her services. On her plans and the way forward, Priyanka said –

    “Numberwrks is a movement for me to reach the masses. I want to create awareness about Numerology, how it is a science and how one can get desired benefits by practicing it. I am also thinking of creating an online course on Numerology through which I can recruit more volunteers to support me in achieving this objective. My YouTube Channel (Priyanka Kuumar) and my website (www.numberwrks.com) will continue to be my primary source to help people”.

  • Surkhab TV – A Cutting Edge Channel about Everything That Affects Everyone

    Jalandhar (Punjab) [India], May 21: Surkhab TV is a well-known informative, entertainment, and news portal on YouTube with a vast audience base. Unlike other channels, since its inception, Surkhab TV doesn’t run after the views because the creative minds behind Surkhab Media give priority to the legitimacy and integrity of the content and they believe it sooner or later, it will be respected by the audience and views, likes & comment will automatically come with that.

    Several steps taken by the creative and technical team of Surkhab TV have played an integral part in its success. They make sure to be consistent enough in posting reliable and engaging content from time to time. Their untiring efforts to research extensively about every topic before creating the videos play a vital role in creating cutting-edge content which is cherished and trusted by the audience of Surkhab TV. The consistency in posting the new videos reminds viewers about the channel and it helps to get more new audience and keeping engage the existing audience.

    The freshness and uniqueness in presenting the content is another specialty of Surkhab TV which is also appreciated by its viewers of it. The teams behind the final content, take a lot of effort in planning, shooting, and editing to make the video which sets it apart and due to this their contents don’t go unnoticed which happens with many channels. To keep the quality of content top-notch every single detail related to shooting the video is considered very diligently be it recording with advanced cameras, proper lit-setting, and pleasant surroundings. All these things make video quality exceptionally well and give viewers a perfect experience.

    Surkhab TV has created a niche for themselves in terms of language which is Punjabi, and their main motive is to spread the positive side of Punjabi culture domestically or internationally to inspire the young brigade for adopting the lifestyle which helps them to be updated, informed to adopt good habits about health and improving the overall thought process. They regularly conduct interviews with inspirational personalities to educate people about their thoughts, lifestyle, and the hard work they have put in to reach the status where they are. Seeing the response to their content it can be said unarguably that Surkhab TV has been successful in their approach.

    Apart from the regional and national news which impacts the people of Punjab, Surkhab TV creates content about entertainment, education, and sports because they understand the value of these things in a normal person’s life. The programs contain content related to sports, education, and entertainment that are received pleasantly by the viewers due to their freshness.

    Surkhab TV takes a lot of pride in being “Fair and Fearless” as to be neutral nowadays is quite impossible but even not being a big news or entertainment production house, the makers are firm about their ideology which is to follow the right path of journalism and due to this their videos are always to the point be it about anything and being so, they stand out in the crowd of YouTube channels.

  • DJ Kunal aka Kunal Mahato plans to raise temperature through new track

    Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 21: Entertainment is the key to avert boredom in the current scenario. Everyone is looking out for varied domains to keep themselves happy and away from the negativity. In this regard, artists are turning out to be the real deal for everyone. DJ Kunal aka Kunal Mahato is one such talent who is keeping himself engaged to churn out dope tracks and beats for his fans, music lovers and other content recipients. DJ Kunal is a disc jockey from the colourful lanes of Kolkata. The city celebrates the birth of several talented and noted artists.

    DJ Kunal aka Kunal Mahato has promised the audience to entertain them with fresh pieces of composition. His two tracks namely Carpe Diem & Area 51 were released during the lockdown on various music portals and have enthralled audiences to the core. DJ Kunal is gearing up for more madness as he has hinted towards making a music video which he shall release on his YouTube Channel. DJ Kunal is working on his new track and has promised his fans a treat by June end. His tracks are available on Spotify and recently he broke this news wherein DJ Kunal aka Kunal Mahato is verified on the popular music streaming app – Spotify.

    Kunal is stressing on releasing more of the tech-house tune. The artist knows this genre and wants the audience to wobble their head on the same crazy and thumping beats. Well as we say those who work hard and aim high, Sky is the limit for them. Similarly, DJ Kunal Mahato is aiming to release music on the world’s Numero Uno dance label which is Spinnin’ Records.

  • Under Covid Crisis, Crypto shows Its True Value

    Singapore, May 20: It started with a tweet from Sandeep Nailwal. “Can’t take this sitting down anymore” the tweet said. “I am going to run a COVID relief campaign in lieu of what is going on in India…I will take full responsibility for transparency, funds usage and regulatory compliance…” Nailwal is the cofounder of Polygon (previously Matic), India’s first crypto unicorn. Like many in the crypto community, he was wondering how cryptocurrency and blockchain could help during India’s Covid crisis.

    During Covid Crisis, Time Counts and Crypto Delivers

    India’s active Covid cases now stand at over 20 million and with a death toll above 230,000. The crisis in India has been rightly described by the domestic and international press as being out of control, with Oxygen supplies dwindling and crematoriums working around the clock. One of the ways the international community can help is by sending oxygen canisters to India or donating funds for people to purchase oxygen or other needed medical supplies.

    The problem is that traditional sourcing channels have become overwhelmed and price gouging and black marketeering have become real roadblocks. Oftentimes money for life-saving medications and hospital care is unattainable to the average Indian, many of whom are not flush with savings. Newer paths need to be created quickly to get aid to the people who need it the most. Under these circumstances, cryptocurrency provides another option that could actually save lives.

    Crypto Can Help and Is Helping

    In an emergency, time counts and Crypto wallets can be set up instantly. Many exchanges offer almost immediate Indian Rupee withdrawals. Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency provide a unique solution because family assistance can be sent from across the country or even across the world in the time it takes a Bitcoin transaction to confirm. In fact, many local Indian crypto exchanges are stepping up to assist. WazirX, one of India’s larger exchanges just announced that they would donate ₹8 crores for Covid relief to 10 different organisations, including the Chief Minister’s Funds of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

    “We are deeply concerned about the current situation in India. It’s truly heartbreaking.” said Wayne Huang, co-founder and CEO of XREX Inc., an international exchange operating in the Indian market, “We believe that cryptocurrency can help India through this crisis, whether that involved raising funds or transferring them quickly to those who need it, the crypto community stands with India to navigate this crisis and emerge stronger.”

     

    Efforts from Global Crypto Communities

    While others in the crypto community here in India are pulling out all stops to help, many think it will take an international effort to truly be effective. Indeed, an international response is exactly what Polygon’s Nailwal elicited. Balaji Srinivasan, former CTO of Coinbase soon replied and announced that he and Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum would also be joining the campaign. Buterin kicked things off by donating 100 Ether and 100 Maker tokens worth $650,000 to India’s Covid relief fund. This donation was quickly followed by Surojit Chatterjee, CPO of Coinbase, and Eric Meltzer, an early crypto investor, along with several other crypto personalities. In a short period, the fund raised over 22 cr in cryptocurrencies, including 1 Bitcoin worth over Rs 41 lakh from cricketer Brett Lee.

    Non-fungible token (NFT) artists on the OpenSea platform recently conducted an event called “Fable” where they auctioned 22 pieces of art created by artist volunteers to support on-ground charities in India supplying patients with needed oxygen cylinders for many who are unable to afford it. This action comes from the crypto community is fast and efficient through blockchain technology.

     In a public health crisis like the one confronting India today, every bit of help counts, whether that is labor through volunteering or funds coming in from all over the world. Despite the rapid industry growth during the pandemic, India continues to have a controversial relationship with Crypto. In March 2020, the Supreme Court overturned an RBI edict that prohibited cryptocurrency exchanges from doing business with banks. Since then, it has been anything but smooth sailing.

    Fortunately, if the most recent reports are to be believed, the winds would appear to be changing. A few months ago, the Narendra Modi-led BJP government paused a bill to ban cryptocurrencies in favor of what Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam termed “a calibrated view on the subject. While these much-awaited regulations will take some time to be announced and implemented, particularly in light of the current emergency, now is a great time for Indian authorities to see firsthand how cryptocurrency and blockchain can be of use to fight against the effects of the virus and truly save lives.

    Hope and Opportunities in the Pandemic

    Echoing the trouble that Crypto itself finds itself in India, the Crypto Covid Relief Fund could run into some regulatory issues. While Polygon’s Nailwal pledged to handle regulatory aspects around donations, some laws require reporting all foreign origin aid in India. Normally foreign donations are governed by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 2010 and Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999, but it is unclear how these regulations apply to cryptocurrency and whether or not the government will relax policy given the scale of human catastrophe the country is dealing with.

    There is a hope that this may lead to a positive reset for the relationship between the crypto community and the government of India, and that can only be positive. Tangible gestures like this from the international and local community will go a long way toward building some goodwill with regulators and highlight the good that Crypto brings for India and its citizens.