Mumbai: Reaching out to the victims of the Sri Krishna school fire tragedy at Kumbakonam, cellular services provider, BPL Mobile, has contributed Rs 26.45 lakh through the BPL Mobile Idayathilirundu (which in Tamil means 'from the heart') initiative.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BPL Mobile group chairman and CEO initiated the Idayathilirundu fund through a company contribution of Rs 25 lakh, BPL Mobile subscribers to contributed the rest.

This rehabilitation fund was handed over to 18 students and their immediate family of the victims who were present at a meeting organised in Kumbakonam.

Commenting on the Idayathilirundu initiative, Chandrasekhar, said, "Being the first mobile operator in Tamil Nadu, I share a special bond with Tamil Nadu and this is a small offering to the affected children to help them lead a normal life in the future."

The beneficiaries of the BPL Mobile Idayathilirundu fund were identified with the help of the list released by the state government revenue development office (RDO) and Rotary Clubs in Kumbakonam. The company had also extended communication support and physical help to the kith and kin of the victims when the incident took place.

BPL Mobile launched a dedicated helpline number through which subscribers could offer their contributions via an SMS. Besides, BPL Mobile also stationed collection boxes at its galleries across Tamil Nadu.