Kerala floods: IIM Lucknow students collect 2 lakh in 6 hours

LUCKNOW: As Kerala battles its worst floods and contributions are pouring from everywhere, students of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow in a unique attempt to raise funds for the flood-ravaged state, made paintings and put them for sale at the best possible price at a city mall in Gomtinagar on Sunday.

A group of 125 students stood up for the cause which got an overwhelming response and, between 11am to 5pm, the students had collected an amount of Rs 2,00,000 to provide some relief to flood-affected victims.

Professor IIM Lucknow Himanshu Rai said, "Students of Strategic Business Negotiation course were given in an exercise called 'sell the painting'. The exercise would help them enhance their negotiation and persuasion skills in limited time especially while interacting with a stranger."

"It was more like learning with a cause for a cause. Student of second year Ankit Jibelwad was the best as he successfully got Rs 7,000 for a painting," he added. Ilene, whose painting was sold for Rs 2,100, said, "In the beginning it was difficult but when people came to know that the exercise was to raise funds for flood-hit Kerala victims, they purchased the painting."

Not only local residents, even visitors, tourists and foreigners came forward for the noble cause. A foreign national Dan Foley, who purchased one painting for Rs 2,800, said, "Floods in Kerala are in headlines these days, and I am happy that I could also contribute for the victims. Also, I want to congratulate the Indian Army for all the hard work round-the-clock in helping victims."

"I have been donating whatever little I could to help victims of the natural calamity. The government should extend all possible help to flood-hit Kerala," said another buyer Dr Ritu. Notably, the latest spell of unprecedented rain in Kerala had left a trail of destruction in the state. However, the swift response of the government and army, however, has averted the major loss of life.