Agni Foundation takes lead in getting Chennai back on feet post Cyclone Vardha

Post-Cyclone Vardha, Tamil Nadu capital Chennai and other areas of the state are striving hard to get back to normal.

Cyclone Vardah left Chennai in ruins. Officially, the damage has been estimated to be around INR 10,000 crores. Coupled with recent demonetisation, citizens suffered due to chaos that followed in the aftermath of the cyclone!

Amidst all the disruption and devastation, social groups and NGOs took the lead once again in helping Chennai get back on its feet.

One such organization was the Agni Foundation. Founded by Agnishwar Jayaprakash, who is a 10 year international swimming veteran, currently holding six national records, The NGO have been involved actively in the relief and rehabilitation efforts since December 12.

"To take stock of what we have lost may seem inconceivable! Some lost their lives, some their homes, some their cars and others their properties. Chennai lost thousands of trees which kept us from choking due to pollution. There is no doubt we have a long rehabilitation road in front of us," said Agnishwar Jayaprakash.

Incidentally, the Agni Foundation was instrumental in Rescue, Relief & Rehabilitation operations for two months across the City during the Chennai Floods 2015 last year. Although exhausted after leading 450 volunteers over the past three days across Chennai to restore normalcy, Agnishwar was optimistic about the future. The spirit of Chennai can be seen in this video by Agni Foundation - htps://www.facebook.com/agnishwarj/videos/vb.100009810990097/385365408467156/?type=2&theater

"We did not lose our spirit. Today, more than ever, I take Pride in being a Chennaite & an Indian for us having bounced back yet again from the Worst Cyclone in 22 years merely a year after the worst flood in a 100 years! Standing United, We risked our lives for the sake of others which proves humanity contrary to popular belief, still exists! And that fire exists in each and every one of us", said the Founder of Agni Foundation.

The group started off with over 450 Volunteers and gained prominence after being recognized by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2015 for launching an innovative initiative called Ignite-India, which was also recognized by the United Nations as one the Top Socio-Economic Educational movements focusing on Student Entrepreneurs. Agni Foundation now has over 25,000 registered Volunteers across India.