Transforming Lives: Two Decades of Hope by Sharika Foundation

For over 5,000 years, the Kashmiri Pandits have safeguarded a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. However, in 1990, their peaceful existence was shattered. On January 19th, terrorism forced them to flee their ancestral homeland, severing a centuries-old bond. Thousands were displaced overnight, living in tents before being confined to cramped 10×12-feet rooms with a single window and door. The elderly, the sick, and young girls bore the brunt of these harsh conditions, enduring neglect, hardship, and an uncertain future.

Amidst this despair, the SHARIKA GROWTH CENTRE was born—a humble initiative that sparked hope and resilience. Today, known as the SHARIKA FOUNDATION – Sharing Joy, this movement began in a 4×4-foot room in the old migrant camp at Muthi. Thanks to the generous contributions of Dr. M.K. Razdan and Mrs. Jaya Razdan, the foundation now boasts its own complex—a testament to the strength, belief, and support behind its mission. What began as a small effort to support children in exile has grown into a lifeline for thousands, championing education, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation.

Our Impact: Twenty Years of Transforming Lives

For over two decades, SHARIKA FOUNDATION has been a catalyst for change, uplifting the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community and beyond. Key milestones include:

Educational Empowerment

Supporting over 1,500 students annually across India, including orphans, children of single mothers, and those still residing in the conflict-ridden Kashmir Valley. Offering scholarships for students pursuing professional courses in medicine, engineering, management, law, and more. In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, 80-100 students graduated in diverse fields such as forensic science, finance, and humanities.

Career Development

Career counselling programs, in collaboration with the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) and IDC, guide students from Class 8 to 10 toward discovering their passions. These children mostly come from migrant camps such as Muthi, Buta-Nagar, Purkhoo, and Jagti. Internship opportunities at reputed institutions provide practical experience and enhance future career prospects.

Preserving Heritage & Cultural Values

Kashmiri Pandits boast a rich, Pre-Vedic cultural legacy. However, the forced exodus led to a significant challenge: Preserving our traditions. Sharika Foundation’s initiative: – To bridge this gap, lectures and workshops on main cultural and religious rituals are organised including: Mahashivratri, Navreh, Guru-Purnima, Sharika Mata’s Birthday. Engaging the younger generation hundreds of children enthusiastically participate in these celebrations, ensuring the continuation of our cherished traditions. Empowering Our Community: – Through these initiatives, Sharika Foundation aims to:

• Preserve our cultural heritage.
• Educate the younger generation.
• Foster Community bonding

Community Initiatives

1. Marathon for Motherhood & the Girl Child (2009): A pioneering movement to protect maternal health and promote gender equality, breaking social barriers and raising awareness.
2. Art Carnivals for Conflict-Affected Children: Using art as a therapeutic platform for healing and confidence building, providing children a creative outlet to express their emotions, heal, and rebuild their self-esteem.
3. Walkathons Against Drug Abuse: In response to the rising menace of drug addiction in migrant camps, the foundation organizes awareness campaigns and walkathons to inspire youth to choose a drug-free life.
4. Sharika Foundation provided conflict-affected children with creative platforms to express their emotions, heal, and rebuild confidence.

Empowering Women & Strengthening Communities

• Skill Development: Offering vocational training and providing sewing machines to displaced women, fostering financial independence.
• Marriage Support: Assisting underprivileged girls with financial and social support for their weddings, ensuring complete confidentiality.
• Promoting Health & Well-Being
• Conducting daily meditation sessions for children in migrant camps to enhance concentration and mental clarity. Organising yoga and wellness activities to combat the deteriorating mental health conditions in conflict-hit areas.

Building for Partnerships Greater Impact

1. Collaborating with reputable organizations such as:
2. KOA (Kashmiri Overseas Association), USA.
3. Parmahansa Yogananda Charitable Trust, Gujarat.
4. Kashmiri Sewak Samaj, Faridabad.
5. Rup Krishan Mirza Educational Scholarships, Bangalore.

Join Our Mission of Hope

For over two decades, SHARIKA FOUNDATION has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. With your support, we can continue to educate children, uplift women, preserve heritage, and extend aid to those in need.

Be the reason someone smiles today

• Donate Now: Bank Name: Union Bank of India.
• Branch: Rail Head Complex, Jammu.
• Account Name: Sharika Foundation Charitable Trust.
• Account Type: Savings.
• Account No.: 520141001387746.
• IFSC Code: UBIN0906441.

(The Author is Volunteer at Shakira Foundation)