Online concert raises ‘Hope’ from abroad

KOLKATA: Non-resident Indians and the Bengali community living abroad came together to hold a concert—Hope 2020 —in the aid of Amphan victims and to raise funds for Covid care in India. Held from July 3 to 6, the online concert saw a congregation of artistes, celebrities and singers. Organized by North American Bengali Conference and Cultural Association of Bengal, in partnership with more than 85 global NRI organizations, the concert managed to raise $150,000.
The concert was preceded by a campaign, reaching out to 10 million people through emails, social media, messages and calls.The three-episode musical bonanza for charity witnessed a record online and TV viewership.
The concert and the campaign united Indian and Bengali diaspora citizens from all corners, said Prabir Roy, member of the core team of organizers. “The donation collected and funds raised will go to recognized charities carrying out ground-level relief work. We will close our donation by July 31,” said Roy.