A child performs for Prakriti at Chowrastha. Picture by Suman Tamang

Darjeeling, Jan. 20: It is not Prakriti Giri’s battle alone.

Thousands of miles away from the studios of Star Plus in Mumbai, residents of Haridashatta in Darjeeling are fighting it out too.

Reminiscent of the days before Prashant Tamang won the Indian Idol, the people of the hill town are busy mobilising funds to send SMS votes to the 12-year-old. They are determined to see Prakriti crowned the Amul Star Voice of India— Chhote Ustaad in the televised talent-search contest for young singers.

Weekend performances by local singers and stalls selling aloodum, selroti, momo and other items in Chowrastha are the more popular methods of collecting money. Donation boxes are also there.

“We are making about Rs 12,000 a week,” said Dawa Bomzom, Prakriti’s mentor.

Kamal Rana, a teacher of Loreto Convent, where Prakriti studies, is playing an important role in organising the fetes. While the women cook the food for the stalls, the men arrange for volunteers to vote for Prakriti. Only 20 votes can be cast from a particular mobile number during one voting period (usually a week).

The efforts are paying as Pakriti, who is among the top seven contestants, has polled the highest number in the last two episodes.

“We are already getting enquiries from show organisers in the US and Hongkong, who want Prakriti to perform there,” said Rupen Pradhan, a resident.