Ryan Kanungo ’22 Holds Fundraiser to Benefit Akshaya Patra

For many of U.S. news viewers, the Cyclone Amphan that hit along the India-Bangladesh border on May 21 was a far-away tragedy in the midst of both a pandemic and cries for social justice. However, for Ryan Kanungo ’22, whose has family living in the area, it was very close to home.

It took days – and WhatsApp – to learn that his family members were unharmed. They suffered flooding and a huge coconut tree narrowly missed damaging his aunt and uncle’s home, but “. . . with God's grace, they were safe and there was no damage to my grandparents' house,” Kanungo said.

To help the thousands who were not so fortunate, he started a fundraiser to benefit Akshaya Patra. The nonprofit provides food to underserved children in India, with the goal of giving them the nutrition they need to pursue an education. Akshaya Patra is more necessary than ever before as India suffers through both the COVID-19 pandemic and the after-effects of the cyclone.

“Not only were people affected by lockdown and financial crisis, now there was a complete shortage of food and clean drinking water along with damage to their homes in the significant portion of West Bengal,” Kanungo explained. He sought advice the Lawrenceville Humanitarian Aid Society’s Rachel Krumholtz ’21 and Zack Finacchio ’21 on the best way to help and they suggested a number of worthy organizations, including Akshaya Patra. “My family has been involved with my fundraisers for Akshaya Patra in the past, so I decided to proceed with [them] for my fundraiser's platform.”

He’s collected just over $3,000 thus far and is eager to raise more. “I'm thankful to God that my family is alive and well, but many are not. I wanted to do something to help those in need even though I am far from home, albeit in a small way, just to show that I care. As stated in my campaign, in the words of Mother Teresa, ‘If you can't feed a hundred people, just feed one.’" 

You can learn more and contribute to Kanungo’s fundraiser for Akshaya Patra by clicking here. 

“My sincere thanks to all that have supported my campaign,” he said.

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.