Hitting back at a prominent news anchor for calling some Malayalis "the most shameless bunch of Indians", Congress leader Shashi Tharoor started #ProudToBeMalayali trend on Twitter that became viral in no time.
At a time when Kerala reels under floods, a prominent anchor in a news show hit out at some people of the state calling them 'shameless bunch of Indians'. The controversy started after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Twitter said that the UAE had offered Rs 700 crore as flood relief for Kerala. However, ambassador Ahmed Albanna later claimed that no official amount has been announced for Kerala.
Tharoor said in a series of tweets then said: "Given the disgraceful attacks on Malayalis in general by some petty minds, it’s time for us to stand up for ourselves. Let’s evoke the reasons why we are #ProudToBeMalayali."
As many as 1,276 people have lost their lives, including 443 in Kerala, due to rains, floods and landslides in eight states during the monsoon season so far, the Home Ministry said on Monday.
According to the Home Ministry's National Emergency Response Centre (NERC), 443 people have died in Kerala, where 54.11 lakh people in 14 districts have been severely hit by the rains and worst floods.
Standing crops on over 47,727 hectares of land were also damaged in the southern state.
Kerala has recently been hit by the worst floods in the century, which caused it a loss of Rs. 19,512 crore to the state. The flood-ravaged state has received financial help from various states, Central government, organisations, and individuals.
Several Members of Parliament (MPs) and IAS Officers Association of Andhra Pradesh (IASOA -AP) also donated their one day income to support Kerala.
Meanwhile, Vijayan, on Monday, urged 'Malayalis' all over the world to contribute their one month salary to rebuild the flood-hit state.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan said, "We can overcome any hurdle if Malayalis across the world stand united. Money will not be a hurdle for rebuilding Kerala. Let Malayalis across the world contribute their one month's salary for rebuilding the state. We should think about this."
"Everyone won't be able to give their one month's salary together. You can give it in ten month's time. The non-resident Malayalis should try to ensure the support of those who are with them," he added.
(With PTI inputs)
