A Generous Generation

Generosity goes beyond financial giving. It is about contributing in ways that create meaningful/positive impact. Radical generosity asserts a simple idea: everyone everywhere has something to give and every act of kindness counts.

Kashmiris are born generous. Be it the jarring jolts of 2005, troubled waters of 2014, testing times of 2010, 2016 and 2019, Wuhan Virus of 2020, we proved we are resilient and always offer a helping hand. We express generosity in many forms, giving time (spending time with someone in need), talent (using our skills to uplift others), testimony (using our voice to advocate for change), ties (connecting people to various resources) and treasure (donating resources). Generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Generosity is a fundamental value anyone can act on. Feeding a stray dog, writing a withdrawal form or deposit slip for an illiterate at the bank, offering a seat to an elderly in a local bus, feeding a hungry belly, helping someone cross the road or push the cart, there are hundreds of stories of community leaders feeling called to respond to the many challenges in their communities through generosity. Giving is not a transaction and it is not something that is transferred from the haves to the have-nots. Being generous grows generosity.

Some twelve weeks ago, Giving Tuesday and Mash Global selected five raconteurs from India to tell the tales of generosity from their communities. I was honoured to be one of them. Here, I summarise the essence of these stories, offering a glimpse into the remarkable generosity of the race living in the Himalayan territory.

Benevolent Bazila

In August 2019, 16-year-old Bazila faced a harrowing ordeal. Two of her relatives battling cancer urgently needed blood platelets. With no way to seek help easily due to communication blackout, panic set in as she struggled to arrange donors. That moment of helplessness changed her life forever. Bazila vowed to dedicate herself to ensuring no one else would face such despair.

Five years later, Bazila, now 21 and a college student in Baramulla, has become a beacon of hope for her community. She has built a network of over 800 volunteer blood donors, ready to save lives at a moment’s notice. “I started with my cousins,” she recalls, “and slowly, more people joined us, coming along to hospitals and donation camps.”

For Bazila, the mission is deeply personal. “My motive is to serve humanity, regardless of religion or race,” she says. Every call to arrange a donation fills her with purpose. “When my blood flows in another’s veins, it’s indescribable.” With unwavering faith, she believes these acts of selflessness bring divine blessings, saying, “Helping others gives me joy and gratitude—it’s the greatest reward.”

Community Cleaning 

As spring graces South Kashmir, Panzath Nag awakens as more than a pond—it becomes the lifeblood of its community. Each year, villagers from Qazigund and nearby hamlets gather at dawn to cleanse its sacred waters, embracing an age-old tradition. Armed with nets, buckets, and bare hands, they scrub away winter’s residue, their laughter and determination embodying a shared purpose.

This ritual is more than work—it’s an act of generosity binding generations. As fish are caught, they are shared freely, filling baskets with joy and abundance. Here, giving transcends material worth; it’s a heartfelt expression of love, uniting neighbours in a timeless bond.

The festival also nurtures young leaders, who inspire through service and care, learning that true leadership lies in protecting and nurturing. Through this shared labour, Panzath Nag reflects the soul of the village—a symbol of unity and the enduring beauty of giving. In every drop they clear, the community rediscovers that true wealth lies in what they share.

Heritage Heroine

Just two miles away from bustling bazaar of Sopore, Meeras Mahal is no ordinary museum—it is a sanctuary of Kashmir’s soul. Founded by the late Atiqa Bano, this humble space embodies her quiet yet extraordinary generosity. With an unwavering love for her culture, Atiqa ji single-handedly gathered over 3,000 artefacts, each a fragment of Kashmir’s vanishing heritage. Her legacy isn’t etched in grandeur but in relentless acts of preservation, each a tribute to the land and its people.

On November 8, I visited Meeras Mahal, drawn by the story of a woman whose life became a bridge to Kashmir’s past. Irshad Ah, the museum’s caretaker, welcomed me and, for seventy-five minutes, painted a vivid portrait of Atiqa—a woman driven by an unyielding passion to safeguard her culture. Through his words, I felt her presence in every corner of this extraordinary place.

Starting as a teacher in 1958, Atiqa rose to become the Director of Libraries and Research for Jammu and Kashmir. After retirement, her dream took form: Meeras Mahal, a “Palace of Heritage” open to all. From ancient manuscripts to wooden footwear, every piece tells a story.

Beyond Meeras Mahal, Atiqa’s compassion transformed lives. She championed women’s education, founded Majlis-Un-Nisa, and stood by the marginalized. Her life is a love letter to Kashmir—a legacy of quiet, enduring grace.

Guardians of Harmony

In the serene town of Bijbehara, a Muslim father and son—Bashir Ahmad Sheikh and Bilal—have kept alive a tale of unity. For over three decades, they’ve safeguarded the Zia Devi temple, a sacred sanctuary for Kashmiri Hindus. When the holy space was left vulnerable in 1990, the Sheikhs stepped in—not as mere caretakers, but as guardians of a shared heritage.

“It’s not just a building; it’s a legacy for all of us,” says Bashir, his voice steady with conviction. The Sheikhs’ devotion to the temple transcends religion, embodying the spirit of Kashmiriyat—an enduring tradition of interfaith respect. Their actions, from tending to the temple’s upkeep to building a protective fence, echo their unwavering belief in harmony.

For the Sheikhs, this isn’t about obligation but love—love for a valley defined by unity. “We never thought of leaving it unattended. It’s about trust and respect,” Bashir says.

Amid division and despair, their quiet resilience shines like a beacon. In tending to another’s sacred space, this father-son duo reminds us that even in fractured times; the seeds of togetherness can still bloom, rooted in kindness and watered by hope.

From Suffering to Sanctuary

Founded by Mohammad Dawood and his wife Mariya Mushtaq, ARK (Animal Rescue Kashmir) has been dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals since 2018. Their initiative, officially registered in 2020, was inspired by the couple's heartbreak upon witnessing the plight of abandoned and sick animals after returning from London in 2017. Determined to be the change they wished to see, Dawood and Mariya have since rescued over 3,700 animals, predominantly dogs.

ARK collaborates unofficially with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) at Tengpora to house rescued animals temporarily. However, with space being limited, Dawood often shelters smaller animals like puppies and kittens at his workplace. The organisation operates with six staff members and countless dedicated volunteers, completing three to five rescues daily using a single ambulance obtained through an international award.

Despite the challenges, Dawood covers 80% of ARK's expenses from his own pocket, with the remainder coming from donations. Prospective adoptive families are meticulously screened to ensure rescued animals are placed in loving homes. Through immense personal commitment and the generosity of volunteers and donors, ARK exemplifies the profound impact of compassion, proving that even small steps can bring hope and dignity to the voiceless.

AAO, Khao Aur Dua Dou

Umer Wani, a passionate young activist and founder of the We the Helping Hands Foundation, is creating meaningful change in Srinagar. Since 2013, he has organized mass marriage programs for over 1200 underprivileged couples, providing financial support and essential kits, promoting simple, dowry-free ceremonies. His efforts challenge societal norms and bring relief to many families.

In 2021, Umer launched Kashmir’s first-ever Langar Khana (community kitchen) at SKIMS Soura. Under the slogan “AAO Khao Aur Dua Dou” (Come, Eat, and pray for us), the Langar Khana provides daily meals to attendants of patients at SKIMS—many of whom struggle to afford food. The initiative serves lunch and dinner daily, ensuring dignity and care for those in need. Additionally, Umer’s foundation distributes monthly grocery packets to 200 families and supports the education of 52 orphaned students. Umer Wani’s work embodies the spirit of generosity, leadership, and community, proving that small acts of kindness can create lasting change in Kashmir.

From Streets to Strength  

In the quiet streets of Kashmir’s Awantipora, Musadiq Bashir was deeply moved by the sight of a destitute man in tattered clothes and a shabby beard. The haunting image lingered in his mind, even as he returned to the warmth of his home and family. This emotional experience sparked the creation of Team Kashmir Youth Courage (KYC)—a grassroots initiative aimed at restoring dignity to society’s marginalised.

“Their physical appearance was just a symptom of deeper issues,” he says. Many of these individuals had suffered immense tragedies, leaving them homeless and broken.

One such case was Mohammad Jeelani, a businessman from Srinagar whose failed venture plunged him into depression. Isolated and dishevelled, Jeelani’s family sought help from KYC. Despite initial resistance and fear, the team patiently cleaned him up. “The transformation was striking,” Musadiq recalls, “a small step towards reclaiming his life.” KYC estimates that 60-70% of their cases are homeless individuals. The team recognizes that recovery is not just about improving appearances but addressing deep psychological scars. “We give them a new look, but they need mental treatment for a happy life ahead,” Musadiq emphasises.

Despite limited resources, KYC’s efforts have gained attention on social media, showcasing both their successes and challenges—like aggression from those they try to help. For now, the team continues their mission: one haircut, one bath, and one act of kindness at a time—restoring hope and dignity to the forgotten.

Breaking Taboos, Spreading Dignity: The Padwoman of Kashmir

Irfana Zargar from Nowshera, Srinagar, is breaking taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene and transforming lives across Kashmir. Her journey began in 2014 as a tribute to her late father, Ghulam Hassan Zargar. What started as a simple act of distributing sanitary pads to local girls has blossomed into a passionate mission. In the last one decade, Irfana has distributed over 30,000 sanitary napkins and equipped 30 public washrooms with menstrual kits. Her initiative, Eva Safety Door, goes beyond pads, providing antispasmodics, hand washes, clean undergarments, and sanitisers—offering dignity to countless women.

During Covid crisis, she ensured that women facing financial hardships received sanitary kits at their doorsteps. Her efforts have expanded through social media, allowing her to reach more women in need.

Irfana’s vision is to extend her work to remote villages, where access to menstrual hygiene is even more limited. In a region where menstruation remains a taboo, Irfana’s selfless actions are not only meeting a critical need but also challenging societal norms, empowering women, and inspiring others to show compassion.

Aatish-e-Chinar!

In the remote village of Nagri Malpora in frontier Kupwara, Abdul Ahad Khan, stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, tirelessly devoted to preserving Kashmir's cherished chinar trees. For over 16 years, his heart has poured into transforming barren landscapes into vibrant green spaces, earning him the heartfelt title of ‘Chinar Man of North Kashmir’ from the forest department.

Khan’s journey began in 2007, fuelled by a profound sadness over the decline of these majestic trees. He started with humble beginnings, gathering twigs from the few remaining chinars and planting them in his village. Today, he has planted over 300 Chinars in Hatmulla and has been instrumental in a state initiative that aims to plant 1,000 more across forests in Kupwara district.

To Khan, these trees embody more than beauty; they are a poignant symbol of cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the Kashmiri people. “Chinar trees are our legacy,” he says, his voice filled with passion. His commitment extends to creating Nargi-Wari Park, a serene space where families can gather and connect with nature—a testament to his belief that preserving these trees is akin to safeguarding their identity. In every Chinar he plants, there lies a story of hope, resilience, and love for a homeland that transcends generations.

Hilal's Healing Hands

In 2012, Hilal’s life took a transformative turn when a close relative was critically injured in an accident and rushed to the ICU at SKIMS Srinagar. As the family gathered, desperate for blood donors, Hilal watched in disbelief as people quietly left. In that moment, he felt a surge of determination and volunteered to donate his own blood. The gratitude he received afterward was overwhelming, and it sparked a new sense of purpose in him. Returning home, Hilal knew this was just the beginning. He registered as a volunteer donor at District Hospital Baramulla and later became the district president of a local NGO, mobilizing over 400 blood donors. With rising cancer cases in Kashmir, Hilal advocates for platelet donations, often quoting the Quran: “Whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind” (5:32).

Hilal finds profound joy in helping others, feeling a deep spiritual connection with each donation. His selfless commitment has earned him recognition from different quarters. For his community, Hilal is not just a volunteer—he is a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that generosity can save lives.

(Note: This work is supported by Mash Project Foundation and Giving Tuesday.)