Why Sonakshi Sinha's Ice Bucket Challenge version is most relevant for Indians

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha might have taken the ALS ice bucket challenge without being nominated by anyone but she definitely gave away a strong message through her video uploaded on Facebook. Instead of pouring ice-cold water, the actress turned a bucket containing only one ice cube over her head. Further, she urged everyone to save water and instead just donate the money for the cause. Here's the entire news: ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: Sonakshi Sinha takes the challenge without being nominated

So, in a country where water shortage is one of the biggest unresolved issues, does it make any sense to follow the viral trend and waste water by taking the ice bucket challenge?

Sure, the challenge encourages people to donate and helps raising money for a good cause but the ultimate aim of creating awareness about the disease through social media has been achieved largely. So, should Indians also participate in the challenge to spread the awareness about ALS in India? Not a bad idea but at the same time India also needs awareness about several other problems that are much bigger than ALS.

Latest: Watch Sunny Leone take up the Ice Bucket challenge

Why are people doing it?

Well the challenge involves pouring a bucket a bucket of cold ice water over their heads to raise awareness and fight ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's disease. The challenge is simple, pour ice-cold water over your head and then challenge someone else to do it. The person challenged has to do so within 24 hours or donate $100 to fight ALS. Even if a person completes the challenge, they're welcome to donate the money.

What is ALS?

ALS is a fatal disease where people lose muscle control, including the ability to speak, eat or even breathe. Life expectancy after being diagnosed is between 2-5 years and current treatment can only extend it by a few months.

How did it start?

The ALS Association credits Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball player for making the challenge popular. He's been living with the disease since 2012, and it has become a phenomenon since Frates took the challenge at the end of last month.

Has it helped raise awareness?

The ALS Association has already received over $4 million in donations between July 29thand 12th August which suggests that people are definitely aware about the condition. Read more about ALS causes, diagnosis, symptoms and diagnosis

Photo source: Getty images

You may also like to read:

• Oprah Winfrey takes ice bucket challenge
• Ice Bucket Challenge: Why are Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Triple H and Justin Timberlake pouring cold water over their heads?
• Ice Bucket Challenge: Cristiano Ronaldo and Sheldon Cooper take the plunge

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