Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Aug 29: Ravi Katapady, who has been stepping onto the streets in different costumes during Krishna Janmashtami for the past 14 years to raise funds for the treatment of children suffering from serious illnesses, will attract public attention this year by appearing in a ‘Merman’ costume.

The Merman, a mythical sea creature featured in folklore, will be the theme of Ravi’s costume this year. Through the fundraising drive, Ravi and his team intend to support the medical treatment of children suffering from various health conditions.

Over the past 10 years, the Ravi Friends Katapady team has raised a total of Rs 1.85 crore and handed over the funds to 204 children for their medical treatment. This year, the team has set a target of raising Rs 15 lac.

Ravi Katapady said the funds collected this year would be utilised for the treatment of a child suffering from a heart-related condition and children undergoing treatment for cancer.

Ravi also announced that this will be his final costume appearance during Krishna Janmashtami. He said he has decided to stop wearing elaborate costumes from next year onwards due to health issues caused by the continuous use of chemicals required for the costume and makeup.

However, Ravi assured that even after stepping away from his annual costume appearances, he would continue to extend whatever assistance he can to children in need.

Mahesh Shenoy, Harsha, Shravan and Ashiq were present at the press conference.