COLUMBUS -- Ohio State students, faculty and staff with ties to India are appealing to the Columbus and university communities to aid victims of the recent earthquake in India. They are part of a local drive for the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund coordinated by the Federation of Asian Indian Associations-Ohio, an umbrella group of more than 15 local Asian Indian regional and cultural organizations, including the Indian American Association, the Indian Student Association and Association for India’s Development at Ohio State. FIA-Ohio hopes to raise $50,000 to $100,000 from Central Ohioans to aid victims of the devastating disaster, which has claimed at least 20,000 lives.

Cash is the most urgently needed commodity, and those who would like to assist may send checks to FIA-Ohio, GERF, 1471 Bolenhill Avenue, Columbus, OH 43229. The checks should be made payable to FIA-Ohio, GERF, and the gifts are tax deductible. Gifts may also be made online (see below).

The FIA is planning several fund-raising events in the next days, including an Indian dinner and possibly the screening of an Indian film. Ohio State students will be making personal appeals in their departments. Further information is available at the FIA-Ohio Website: www.fia-ohio.org

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