Shirva: Teenagers raise funds for ailing boy by performing Tiger Dance

A group of boys aged between 12 and 16 from Shirva displayed a heartwarming act of compassion by raising funds during the Navaratri festival through their tiger dance performance and donating the proceeds to a 16-year-old boy suffering from epilepsy.

Dishith Kumar, the son of Arun Kumar from Mattaru Kadambu, Shirva, has been battling epilepsy for several years, leaving him bedridden. With support from locals and well-wishers, he has been receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital. However, the financially struggling family is in dire need of more donations to continue his treatment, as highlighted in a report published in Udayavani Sudina on September 22.

Moved by the situation, a team of 15 young boys, led by Pithrodi residents Gautam, Suhan, Ritesh, and Suresh, decided to donate the money they collected from their tiger dance (Huli Vesha) performance during Navaratri to Dishith’s treatment.

On October 11, the team performed Loban Seve and set out from Govinda Nagar, Pithrodi, collecting funds in areas like Udyavar, Sampige Nagar, and Malpe. The boys handed over the money to Dishith’s family on October 17 at their residence. The event was attended by former president of the South Canara Photographers Association Kaup division, Ravikumar Katapadi, along with the young members of the Team Yuva Friends, Gautam, Suhan, and Ritesh, as well as Dishith’s father, mother, and sister.

This act of kindness by the youth has been widely appreciated in the community.