This story is from July 9, 2018

Diaspora raises $50,000 through crowd funding

Diaspora raises $50,000 through crowd funding
HYDERABAD: The Indian community in the US is in shock after the killing of Telugu techie Sharath Koppu in Kansas. Standing up to the crisis, the diaspora mobilized $50,892 in just 19 hours through crowd funding. Though the goal was to raise $40,000, at least 1,595 Indians contributed after a GoFundMe appeal by Sharath’s cousin.
Raghu Chowdavaram, the victim’s cousin, who also lives in the US, made the appeal online to raise money for sending the body of the 25-year-old to Hyderabad from Kansas.

Before Sharath went to the US, he worked in Hyderabad. A computer science graduate from Vasavi College of Engineering, he worked for the city-based Pegasystems Worldwide India.
While studying MS in the University of Missouri, Sharath took up a part-time job. According to rules, a student can take up on-campus work.
Mourning Sharath, Indians in the US said they should avoid taking up part-time jobs, which is against rules. “Sad, but he worked part time in J's Fish and Chicken market. Legally, he is not allowed to work off campus, if he’s on a student visa,” an Indian said on Twitter.
“This is terrible news. I hope there is a solution for gun violence in this country. Pray for strength to his family,” said Ramesh Kata, who contributed for the fund.

“As a customer of J's, I feel sickened by the tragedy. Sharath was such gentleman. Our hearts break for his family and friends who loved him so much,” Nicole/ Marcia King/ Leibold commented.
Another Indian, Deb Chatterjee said he was disturbed by the growing violence against graduate Indian students. “This may potentially decrease the graduate enrolment at University of Missouri, Kansas City. Unless some action is taken, the future looks bleak for university’s graduate programmes that have a fair share of Indian students. My deepest condolences to Sharath Koppu’s family, may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Raghu Chowdavaram in his appeal for funds on GoFundMe said his cousin, a computer engineer, had come to the US in January 2018. He said Sharath would have been another beautiful success story had it not come to an abrupt end on July 6.
When officers arrived at J’s Fish and Chicken Market, they found Sharath bleeding profusely and took him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Cousin Raghu said Sharath would be missed not only by his family, but by everyone whose life he touched. “Sharath's body is being sent to India for cremation. We cannot end the pain caused to his family, but can share the grievance and extend our support to ease their financial burden,” he said.
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About the Author
Ch Sushil Rao

Sushil Rao is Editor-Special Reports, at The Times of India, Hyderabad. He began his journalism career at the age of 20 in 1988. He is a gold medalist in journalism from the Department of Communication and Journalism, Arts College, Osmania University, Hyderabad from where he did his post-graduation from. He has been with The Times of India’s Hyderabad edition since its launch in 2000. He has also done an introductory course in film studies from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, and also from the Central University of Kerala equipping himself with the knowledge of filmmaking for film criticism. He has authored four books. In his career spanning 34 years, he has worked for five newspapers and has also done television reporting. He was also a web journalist during internet’s infancy in the mid 1990s in India. He covers defence, politics, diaspora, innovation, administration, the film industry, Hyderabad city and Telangana state, and human interest stories. He is also a podcaster, blogger, does video reporting and makes documentaries.

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