COVID cases are soaring in the South Asian country as an oxygen shortage has brought the health service to its knees.

Money and medical supplies are being donated from across the globe to help the crisis.

In Leicester, student Krishna Prakash Jethwa, 22, completed a 48-hour cycle with members of her temple – the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

She was joined by more than 300 other members from her temple and two others – the London Neasden Temple and Chigwell Temple UK, which have collectively raised more than £600,000 so far.

Krishna completed her leg last Friday (30/4) and has collected almost £1,000 for the cause. 

She said: “I just want to extend my thoughts and prayers to those who are deeply affected by this.

“I can understand that these are very tough times, but the powers of prayers and solidarity will help those in need.

“I was inspired to take part in the event by my Guru, HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

“He has lived His life in service of others for more than 70 years.

“He has always said that ‘In the joy of others lies our own’.

“Not caring even once for Himself, He has constantly served everyone till His very last breath for the betterment of society.

“When I saw there was an opportunity to sign up, I, along with my friends, signed up to help raise awareness and funds for this cause. It is a small humble way in which we can try to help.

"My family, father Prakash Jethwa, mother Jalpa Jethwa and brother Munishvar Jethwa have been supporting me and helping me raise money by sharing the link with their friends and contacts. They are doing everything they can to help out.”

Krishna, who was born in Kenya and moved to the UK 13 years ago, is a final year Accounting and Finance undergraduate student in the School of Business and Economics.

To donate to her Just Giving page visit: JustGiving.com

ENDS