Srinagar, Mar21: In a heart-warming display of compassion, local volunteers and youth have been extending a helping hand to travellersby providing Iftar along major highways. This act of kindness not only offers sustenance but also serves as a symbol of solidarity and support during the sacred month of Ramadan.
Over the past ten days, the bustling Srinagar-Baramulla highway has seen small gatherings of travellersduring Iftar time, as youth generously offer water, dates, fruits, and other refreshments to those in need.
Mohammad Younis, along with his friends, exemplifies this spirit of generosity by regularly visiting the highway near the Petrol Pump in Pattan to distribute water bottles and dates to travellers.
“We want to ensure that as there is a call for breaking fast no one should go hungry during this sacred time. We want to provide a sense of comfort in Iftaar, the meal to break the fast after sunset,” he said.
Similarly, acts of kindness are also observed at Hanjiveera and Pattan town, where local youth extend their generosity to weary travellers. These gestures of goodwill foster a sense of unity and connection among strangers, as they come together to break bread and share Iftar.
“In the holy month, amidst the prayers and reflections, a different kind of worship has unfolded: a worship of compassion, empathy, and love. Buy feeding the hungry, these youth find their souls nourished too,” Younis said.
Similarly, the local youth also offer Iftaar at Hanjiveera and Pattan Town. These acts of kindness served as gentle reminders of humanity’s interconnectedness. Strangers become friends over shared Iftaar, breaking bread together in a display of unity and solidarity.
At Lawaypora, Soizeth, Bemina, Tangmarg, Magam and many other places young valunteers who are not associated with any NGO or trust come out and offer Iftaar to the travellers.
“Amid hustle and bustle, the breaking of bread becomes a gesture of unity and a reminder that despite the miles that separate us, we are all bound by our shared humanity. This is all we can do in this month and it is an opportunity for us to do good,” said Zahoor Ahmad who also offers Iftaar at Bemina.
Mudasir Ahmad, a shopkeeper from Magam said he along with his friends feels happy when they offer iftaar to someone who is travelling.
“The objective is purely to give Iftar to drivers and people who do not reach home in time to break their fast, hence refraining them from speeding as they try to rush home to have Iftar with their families. These are not heavy meals but a relief till the travellers reach home,” he said.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, volunteers continue their efforts with unwavering dedication. Many organizations, such as the MoujKasheer Welfare Trust, are actively involved in providing food packets and Iftar kits to those in need across different districts of Kashmir.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to expand these initiatives, with efforts to offer street iftar to people along highways and major roads.
Amir Rashid Wani, Chairman of MoujKasheer Welfare Trust, expresses his commitment to serving the community, stating, “We are working in this regard, currently busy with providing Iftar kits in far-off places.”
In the spirit of Ramadan, these acts of kindness exemplify the values of compassion and generosity, uniting communities and spreading hope amidst challenging times.
