Following the continuing farmer's protests [1] that began earlier this year, India is now currently the global epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to a lack of medical equipment, slow government action, and consistently rising cases, the country is desperately struggling to support those who are suffering. To put things into perspective, the UK at its peak had approximately 81,000 new cases a day according to government statistics [2], whereas India are currently reporting just over 300,000 cases a day [3], with the peak level recorded at 340,162.
The UK is playing a small part in supporting the country during the crisis, by sending 600 pieces of life-saving equipment to India, but it's far from enough, especially considering the sheer amount of cases that they're dealing with daily. Dr. Zarir Udwadia, a committee member advising the Indian government on Mumbai's COVID-19 response, told BBC Radio 4 [4] that the donation was "a drop in the ocean," adding that "it's a political gesture – this will have a limited impact at this stage, sadly. We are past the stage of that."
Despite receiving international aid, what's happening is only worsening, and it's clear that more needs to be done in terms of sharing support. "The situation in India is tragic and likely to get worse for some weeks to months," said Krisha Udayakumar, the founding director of the Duke Global Health Innovation Centre, emphasising the need for a "concerted, global effort to help India at this time of crisis."
Keep reading to discover all the organisations and causes that you can donate to in order to help India with the current crisis.
Khalsa Aid
Khalsa Aid is an international non-government organisation founded in 1999, which seeks to provide support and humanitarian aid for victims of natural and man made disasters. The organisation is based upon the Sikh principle that states we must "recognise the whole human race as one," and provides food, water, clothing, and medical supplies to those in need.
Currently, Khalsa Aid is appealing for donations of oxygen concentrators which will be sent directly to India from its UK office.
Donate to Khalsa Aid now [5].
GiveIndia
GiveIndia is an online donation platform that allows you to support a cause of your choice from the NGOs listed on its website, all of which have been evaluated for transparency and credibility. Currently, GiveIndia has three core COVID-19 missions listed on its site, that are accepting donations to support patients, struggling families, and women without access to sanitary products.
Donate to GiveIndia now [6].
Hemkunt Foundation
The Hemkunt Foundation began in 2010 after running a free school meals project in three districts of New Delhi, India. Since then, the foundation has worked on over 12 charity projects, including its current COVID-19 relief project. There are a number of ways that you can share your support for India via the Hemkunt Foundation, but one of the main ways is through their oxygen van that's currently driving around the cities of Delhi and Gurgaon, providing oxygen to those who need it most.
Donate to Hemkunt Foundation now [7].
Ketto India
Ketto India is another online donation platform that supports a number of different causes. Currently, Ketto's website features a whole host of coronavirus missions that require urgent support, including pleas for oxygen machine donations, food rations, and home schooling for children in need.
Donate to one of Ketto India's many COVID-19 fundraising causes now [8].
Go Dharmic
Go Dharmic is a growing movement for individual and social change, founded in 2011. The platform has set up campaigns in support of a number of issues centring around sustainability, world hunger, and education. Go Dharmic set up its coronavirus appeal on 25 March, and continues to campaign for ration kits to be sent to migrant workers and their families in India during the crisis.
Donate to Go Dharmic's emergency COVID-19 India appeal now [9].
Milaap
Milaap is a free crowdfunding resource in India which enables anyone across the country to raise funds for healthcare, education, sports, disaster relief, and other personal causes. The platform is currently supporting a number of coronavirus-specific causes, including an appeal for oxygen concentrators and support for India's transgender community.
Donate to one of Milaap's COVID-19 causes now [10].
Feeding From Far
Feeding From Far is an initiative that has been feeding poor and unemployed people in India, particularly rickshaw drivers, rag pickers, and daily wage workers whose opportunity to work has been affected by the pandemic. Since the first lockdown, the initiative has helped over 7,000 people in one of India's largest slum areas in Mumbai.
Donate to the Feeding From Far campaign now [11].
Enrich Lives Foundation
Enrich Lives Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation that seeks to help India's population through providing meals and grocery kits, job placements, and coaching for those in need. As daily wage labourers continue to lose jobs, and cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in India, the foundation is fundraising to provide over 10,000 grocery kits to families.
Donate to the Enrich Lives Foundation's COVID-19 campaign now [12].
Mazdoor Kitchen
Mazdoor Kitchen is a citizen run, voluntary initiative that is working to provide meals and subsistence to daily wage workers in North Delhi. During the current pandemic, Mazdoor Kitchen is working to provide food rations and offer employment opportunities.
Donate to Mazdoor Kitchen's COVID-19 fund now [13].
Making the Difference
Making the Difference is a non-profit organisation that seeks to contribute to progress for underprivileged children. During the coronavirus crisis in India, the organisation has donated over 70,000 litres of oxygen, 20 hospital beds, and a number of home-cooked meals.
Donate to Making The Difference now [14].
Seva Kitchen
Seva Kitchen is an initiative based in Nagpur, India that aims to feed less privileged people during COVID-19, particularly individuals from marginalised communities including domestic workers, daily wage labourers, construction workers, and people living in slums.
Donate to Seva Kitchen now [15].
Khaana Chahiye
Khaana Chahiye (which directly translates to "we need food") is a non-profit organisation based in Mumbai which aims to combat the issue of hunger through relief efforts and advocacy initiatives. The organisation began as a relief operation during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Mumbai and has continued to become one of India's most extensive crisis management operations.
Donate to Khaana Chahiye now [16].
Pint Network
Pint Network is an organisation that aims to build a network of plasma across India for the recovery of COVID-19 patients. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their blood, which can be collected through plasma, and donated to patients who are severely suffering. As a result, Pint Network seeks to connect patients with donors, based on their blood type and location.
Donate to Pint Network now [17].
Goonj Rahat
Goonj Rahat is a community that aims to support low-wage workers with informal employment in India. As a result of the current pandemic, workers in India are suffering more than ever. With the help of donations, Goonj Rahat provides upcycled PPE equipment, food, and hygiene support.
Donate to Goonj Rahat's COVID-19 fund now [18].